On March 30, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced that as a result of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Pennsylvania is set to receive $186 million to help low-income families save on energy bills through the Weatherization Assistance Program.

The Commonwealth’s formula allocation of Weatherization Assistance Program funding has increased by ten-fold, from $18 million to $186 million, in just one year.

This funding will pay for retrofitting for thousands of low-incomes homes to make them more energy efficient while lowering utility bills.

“This is a commonsense program that makes homes safer, healthier and more energy efficient—all while slashing families’ energy bills,” said Senator Casey. “Thanks to the infrastructure law, Pennsylvania’s formula funding is increasing ten-fold in just one year. With this funding, we’re going to help more families than ever before, particularly those who live in communities that are disproportionately impacted by high energy costs. This is another example how the Biden Administration is working to lower costs for families and ease the burden on our planet.”

The Department of Energy will provide funding across the country, after which states work with local agencies, including non-profits and local governments, to deliver services.

Low-income households typically spend almost 14 percent of total annual income versus 3 percent for other households on energy costs.

With this funding, states can provide modifications like installing insulation, updating heating and cooling systems and upgrading electrical appliances to contribute to less energy usage and cheaper energy bills.

The Weatherization Assistance Program has served over seven million households since 1976 and has delivered an average of $372 in annual energy savings for American families.

Visit DCED’s Weatherization Assistance Program webpage for more information.

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[Posted: March 30, 2022]

4/4/2022