Governor Schwarzenegger Announces $68 Million for Low-Income Home Weatherization

October 7, 2009 – (RealEstateRama) — Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today announced the awarding of more than $68 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) weatherization funding to non-profit, local government and community action agencies throughout the state. This funding is federally designated to help low-income families weatherize their homes, which decreases utility bills and saves energy while stimulating local economies. Administered by the State Department of Community Services and Development (CSD), California’s low-income Recovery Act weatherization program was one of the first 15 state plans federally approved by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). After demonstrating successful implementation of this phase of the weatherization program, California will receive an additional federal award of over $92 million, for a total of more than $185 million.

“My Administration is working around the clock with President Obama’s team to pump Recovery Act funding into California quickly and responsibly to stimulate our economy and in this case, also help move California toward a more energy efficient future,” said Governor Schwarzenegger. “This funding will directly benefit an estimated 50,000 low-income households with weatherization services that increase energy efficiency and save money on utility bills – all while helping stimulate local economies throughout the state.”

Weatherization is one of the most efficient and economical means of conserving energy and lowering utility bills. On average, weatherization reduces a recipient’s annual heating bills by 32 percent and decreases their overall utility bills by about $350 per year at current energy prices.

Households with incomes at or below 75 percent of the state median income are eligible for the program. For more information about eligibility criteria and applying for weatherization services, please visit www.csd.ca.gov or call toll-free 1-866-675-6623 for a service provider in your area.

“Our local energy providers have worked very hard to get ready for this new funding,” stated CSD Director Lloyd Throne. “They are working closely with local youth employment groups, community colleges, and ‘green’ coalitions to provide quality weatherization services as quickly as possible to eligible households.”

Energy conservation and reduction of greenhouse gases is a hallmark of Governor Schwarzenegger’s Administration. The Governor is a national leader in promoting energy efficiency, and has set a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to the levels of 1990, as well as using renewable energy sources for 33 percent of the State’s energy consumption by 2020.

The non-profit, local government and community action agencies awarded a portion of the $68 million in funding announced today include: