Grants fund weatherization for low-income, elderly residents

Gov. Kay Ivey Tuesday announced grants totaling $964,862 to assist low-income and elderly Alabama residents with weatherizing their homes to lower energy costs – a portion of which was designated for a northwest Alabama agency serving Franklin County.

The grants support Alabama’s Weatherization Assistance Program, which provides funds to improve the energy efficiency and safety of qualifying homes. Priority is given to people with disabilities, the elderly and low-income households with children.

“Many elderly and disabled residents are living on very limited incomes and often struggle to pay higher utility bills,” Ivey said. “These grants will help permanently lower the energy bills for many residents by making upgrades to keep their houses cool during these hot summer months.”

Ivey awarded the grants to agencies across the state that manage the program at the local level. Locally, $33,966 was awarded to the Community Action Agency of Northwest Alabama Inc., which serves Franklin, Colbert and Lauderdale counties.

An energy audit is conducted of each home that qualifies for weatherization assistance to determine the most cost-efficient measures. Common improvements include installing extra insulation in the attic, walls and floor; sealing air leaks around doors and windows; repairs or tune-ups for air conditioning and heating units; and replacing incandescent light bulbs with high-efficiency bulbs.

In addition to lowering energy bills, the improvements can reduce the risk of fire and other hazards.

For more information call the Community Action Agency of Northwest Alabama at 256-766-4330.