Low-income Houses Get Help With Rising Fuel Bills by Lew Sichelman
In what may be a case of too little, too late, the Department of Energy will award $86.7 million in weatherization assistance grants to 34 states on April 1. The grants are intended to help low-income households cope with rising energy costs. Although they come long after the height of the current heating season, at least they will allow recipients to be better prepared for next winter. An additional $46 million will be awarded to the other 16 states on Sept.1, just in time for next season. The timing of the awards coincides with the states' fiscal years. In total, DoE says the nearly $133 million in grants will reduce the energy bills of more than 67,000 families by an average of 25 percent. Weatherization reduces a typical low-income household's heating bill by some $190 a year, DoE says. It's not much, less than $20 a month. But it also lowers demand for imported fuels and reduces the need for other social programs such as fuel assistance, housing and health care. According to the agency, every federal dollar spent on weatherization brings $1.80 in energy savings and 60 cents more in employment and environmental benefits. Also, for each dollar, state and local authorities are spending an additional $3.40. DoE's weatherization program works in partnership with those operated at the state and local level. The agency awards the money to states, which, in turn, contract with local agencies or non-profit groups to perform the work. Since its inception in 1976, the program has helped trim the utility bills of some 4.7 million households. Families who qualify for assistance may also be eligible for several other energy-related services, including the installation of insulation and ventilation fans, sealing ducts, weatherstripping and insulation for water heaters. Service providers also test and repair appliances to help prevent carbon monoxide leaks. | 
