Gov. Inslee proclaims October 30 Weatherization Day in Washington State
Low-income homeowners can save on energy costs and stay warm this winter with weatherization assistance
OLYMPIA, WA – Governor Inslee joins community action agencies, housing authorities, and local governments across the state and nation by recognizing October 30, 2014, as Weatherization Day in Washington.
As chilly weather sets in, residents across the state are turning up their thermostats to combat dropping temperatures. For low-income families, however, cranking up the heat is not always an option. These households often pay 14 percent or more of their annual income for energy costs compared with an average of only three percent for other homeowners. Unable to pay utility costs, some Washingtonians are considering how they will get through this winter without heat.
Washington’s Weatherization Assistance Program will help many households make it through the cold weather season – and the years ahead – by adding insulation, sealing cracks, and making other improvements that reduce heat loss and save money on energy bills. The program is funded through a partnership of the U.S. Department of Energy, the Bonneville Power Administration, the
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Washington State, and private and public utilities. The utilities provide matching funds to the state’s investment.
“Meeting the energy demands of the future responsibly will require new clean energy sources, but it also requires energy-efficiency measures like weatherizing our homes,” said Governor Inslee. “Investments in energy efficiency are one of the most flexible and cost-effective ways to meet our state’s growing energy needs while simultaneously supporting clean-technology jobs.”
Since the inception of Washington’s Weatherization Assistance program in 1978, more than 125,000 homes have been weatherized across the state. In 2014, the program expects to weatherize approximately 3,000 low-income homes.
Households can save as much as $330 each year on energy bills after weatherization work is completed. In addition, weatherization improves the quality of life of program recipients, making homes warmer in winter, cooler in summer and safer all year round.
Media Opportunity
The Community Action Council of Lewis, Mason & Thurston Counties invites you to see a weatherization project underway. Meet the homeowner and see contractors in action getting a home ready for winter.
When: October 30, 2014, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Where: 6058 61st Ave SE, Lacey WA
For more information: Franklin Givens, 360-438-1100 ext. 2100
Radio PSA 0:30
Winter is when elderly and lower-income residents need the greatest amount of help staying warm in their own homes. Washington’s Weatherization Assistance Program, in partnership with local utilities, provides free energy-efficient improvements to houses, apartments and manufactured homes of eligible consumers. Simple solutions such as sealing cracks and installing insulation that can drop energy bills by up to 30 percent. For information, visit www.commerce.wa.gov, or call the Department of Commerce Weatherization Assistance Program at 360-725-2947.