DOE announced last week that it will provide 30 states and the Navajo Nation with $111.6 million in weatherization grants to make energy efficiency improvements in the homes of low-income families. Typical weatherization improvements include adding insulation, reducing air infiltration, servicing heating and cooling systems, and providing health and safety diagnostic services. DOE's Weatherization Assistance Program performs energy audits on each home to determine which measures are most cost effective. Every dollar spent on weatherization improvements can return $1.53 in energy savings over the life of the measures, and total annual savings could be up to $358.DOE's weatherization grants are distributed by state energy offices through more than 900 local agencies. Every state—as well as the District of Columbia, the Navajo Nation, and the Inter-Tribal Council of Arizona—will receive grants this year, totaling $204.5 million and helping nearly 70,000 families. Last week's grants were awarded to the Navajo Nation and the following 30 states: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Vermont, Washington, and West Virginia. See the Weatherization Assistance Program Web site - http://www.eere.energy.gov/weatherization/
