WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Samuel W. Bodman today announced $14,349,500 in weatherization program grants for the state of Illinois to make energy efficiency improvements in homes of low-income families.  On average, weatherization can reduce a home’s energy costs by $358 a year.  This grant is part of $96.4 million for 19 states whose weatherization year begins in July.  This is in addition to $140.3 million in weatherization program grants made to 31 states in April, bringing the total FY 2006 weatherization funding to $243 million.  The total funding will pay for weatherizing more than 96,500 homes nationwide. 

“Weatherizing your home is a valuable way to save energy and money,” Secretary Bodman said.  “The Department of Energy’s weatherization program will help many Illinois families make their homes more energy efficient.”

For every dollar spent, weatherization returns $1.53 in energy savings over the life of the measures.  DOE’s weatherization program performs energy audits to identify the most cost-effective measures for each home, which typically includes adding insulation, reducing air infiltration, servicing the heating and cooling systems, and providing health and safety diagnostic services.  Other benefits of weatherization include increased housing affordability, increased property values, job creation, lower owner and renter turnover, and reduced fire risks.  In 2005, DOE helped weatherize more than 92,000 homes.

On average, Americans spend 3.5 percent of their income on paying energy bills, but for lower-income households the costs average 14 percent.  These costs can include anything from heating and cooling their homes to running the lights, computers and other appliances that need electricity.  

DOE’s weatherization program grants are distributed by state energy offices through more than 900 local agencies.  Every state, the District of Columbia, the Navajo Nation and the Inter-Tribal Council of Arizona will receive weatherization grants this year. 

For more information, please visit http://www.eere.energy.gov/wip/.

Media contact(s):
Chris Kielich, (202) 586-5806