Today, the Department of Energy (“DOE”) announced more than $66 million in Recovery Act funding to four states for their weatherization assistance programs. The funding will help weatherize over 26,000 homes, lower energy costs, reduce pollution, and create green jobs across the country. Here is how the funds will be used in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut and Hawaii:

 

Alaska was awarded over $7.2 million today. Alaska will use its weatherization funds to weatherize more than 1,500 homes over the next three years. The money will be deployed through the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (“AHFC”), which manages weatherization in the state. The AHFC has created a statewide call center for client intake and is working with five local organizations to administer the program. After demonstrating success in the execution of its plan, Alaska will receive additional funds of $9 million, for a total of more than $18 million.

Colorado was awarded over $31.8 million today. Colorado will use its weatherization funds to weatherize more than 16,750 homes over the next three years. The money will be deployed through the Colorado Energy $aving Partners Program (“E$P), which manages weatherization in the state. The E$P will perform provide green job training to promote the weatherization effort, and eleven local agencies will assist in retrofitting cost-effective measures in homes. After demonstrating success in the execution of its plan, Colorado will receive additional funds of approximately $40 million, for a total of more than $79 million.

Connecticut was awarded over $25.7 million today. Connecticut will use its weatherization funds to weatherize more than 7,400 homes and re-weatherize an additional 100 homes over the next three years. The money will be deployed through the Department of Social Services, which manages weatherization in the state. Homes will receive an energy audit before even the more common weatherization activities are performed. After demonstrating success in the execution of its plan, Connecticut will receive additional funds of $32 million, for a total of more than $64 million.

Hawaii was awarded over $1.6 million today. Hawaii will use its weatherization funds to weatherize more than 650 homes over the next three years. The money will be deployed through the Hawaii Office of Community Services, which manages weatherization in the state. The Office of Community Services will provide training and technical assistance to local agencies to increase energy conservation and lower utility bills for low-income families. After demonstrating success in the execution of its plan, Hawaii will receive additional funds of $2 million, for a total of more than $4 million.