10/29/2012
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – In the wake of severe weather associated with Hurricane Sandy, Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin reminds West Virginians of the Weatherization Assistance program for low-income families.
“Most families across the state are turning up their thermostats in preparation for this weather event, but low-income families may not have that option,” Tomblin said. “The Weatherization Assistance Program can help make lasting changes to low-income residents’ homes and keep them warm for many winters to come.”
According to the National Association for State Community Services Programs, low-income families pay 14.4 percent or more of their annual incomes for energy, compared with only 3.3 percent for other families. As a result, some families consider surviving the winter without heat.
The West Virginia Weatherization Assistance Program makes a meaningful difference in the lives of many citizens by utilizing state-of-the-art energy audits, air sealing, insulation and heating combustion analysis and repair/replacement to make energy efficient improvements in low-income and moderate-income homes.
The federally based program assists with the reduction of residential energy burdens on low-income Americans and protects them against fuel price volatility. Weatherization saves each family $437 in heating and cooling costs every year at current prices.
To help bring attention, Gov. Tomblin earlier this month proclaimed Oct. 30 as Weatherization Day.
To view eligibility requirements and learn how to apply, visit the Office of Economic Opportunity online at
http://www.goeo.wv.gov/weatherization
Contact Information
Andrea Bond
304-957-9347