Q: What is the Weatherization Assistance Program?
A: Since 1976, this federal grant program has helped "weatherize" 5 million homes across the United States to help conserve energy and bring down the utility bills for low-income Americans, especially the elderly, disabled or working poor. Recognizing that high energy bills hit low-income Americans harder as a percentage of income, Congress established the Weatherization Assistance Program twenty-five years ago to help struggling families benefit from cost-effective, energy- efficient improvements to their homes. Run by the Department of Energy’s Office of Building Technology, State and Community Programs, the program awards grants to roughly 950 community action agencies in all 50 states. In fiscal year 2001, Iowa will receive nearly $3.4 million to make energy-efficient improvements to eligible residential units. Some examples of energy-saving steps include installation of insulation and ventilation fans, heating and cooling tune-ups, air sealing, and energy-efficient lighting. Trained professionals install the energy-saving measures and go over strategies with the residents to keep costs down. The administration’s recently released energy plan calls for increasing this program’s funding by $1.2 billion over the next 10 years.
Q: What steps can homeowners take to insulate their pocketbooks from high energy bills?
A: Today’s energy crunch evokes deja vu for many baby boomers and older who recall the energy shortages and prices hikes that hit American consumers in the 1970s. Nearly twenty-five years later, the nation finds itself once more at a crossroads with energy and the economic consequences of finite supplies butting heads with infinite demand. Again motorists and consumers are forced to make more room in their budgets for higher energy costs. Federal energy assistance programs like the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Weatherization Assistance Program can only stretch so far to help low-income households heat and cool their homes. However, families from across the income spectrum can make daily cost-saving changes in their consumption patterns to keep costs down and conserve resources. Consumers should look for the federal Energy Star label to find energy-efficient appliances and consider fuel efficiency when buying an automobile. As the top Republican on the tax-writing Senate Finance Committee, I’m advancing legislation that seeks to encourage production and use of super energy-efficient appliances by providing a tax credit to manufacturers who produce and market washing machines and refrigerators that use less energy and will save consumers money on their energy bills. Homeowners also can save a bundle on their monthly heating and cooling bills by sealing or replacing drafty windows. Up-front investments to weather-proof homes and businesses will bear long-term energy savings in the future. The Department of Energy offers a free publication, in English and Spanish, that includes recommendations to help consumers save up to 50 percent on home energy costs. Iowans can call toll-free (800)363-3732 to order the booklet or go to www.energy.gov for more information and other consumer tips.