$27.8 MILLION AVAILABLE FOR HOME WEATHERIZATION
Program assists low-income Ohioans with weatherization services to reduce energy use

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 19, 2005

Columbus, OH -- Lieutenant Governor Bruce Johnson today announced that the State of Ohio has awarded more than $27.8 million to local agencies that provide home weatherization services. The Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP) program, administered by the Ohio Department of Development’s (ODOD’s) Office of Energy Efficiency will help an estimated 6,300 homes statewide.

“Reducing energy loss in the homes of low-income Ohioans saves them money and improves their quality of life,” said Johnson, who also serves as Director of the ODOD. “I am pleased that through this program, the state can highlight the importance of energy efficiency and educate individuals about techniques to weatherize their homes.”

The money was awarded to 35 local community action agencies, and other non-profit organizations and units of government around the state. The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

HWAP is an energy-efficiency program that assists low-income homeowners and renters in reducing their energy use. More than 290,000 homes have been weatherized in Ohio since this program began in 1977. The most recent independent evaluation of Ohio’s HWAP program showed that participating households averaged a savings of $184 per year or 29 percent in energy bills.

Program services include: insulation of hot water heaters, heating ducts, attics, sidewalls and floors; reduction of air leakage from major sources; safety inspection and tune-up of heating systems; and in some cases, heating unit replacement. Client education is also an integral part of the service because home heating maintenance and energy-efficient actions can increase savings.

For more information on HWAP, go to www.odod.state.oh.us/cdd/oee/. Individuals wishing to apply for assistance should contact their local community action agency.