As part of the recently passed Federal Economic Stimulus Plan, a number of state are receiving funds to help bolster regional weatherization programs. These funds aim to provide households an opportunity to improve the energy efficiency of their homes, as well as providing low income households access to a broader array of federal funds. The first part of the plan will provide states with $2.5 billion in funding this fall, which will be allocated by state assistance agencies on a grant basis. Additionally, the legislation provides another supplement which aims to bring green energy solutions to low income households.
An additional resource to the federal Weatherization Assistance Program, the Department of Energy will extend its basis of 6 million low income households served. The total of the new grants for 2009 comes to $8 billion in investment, which aims to reduce energy costs and improve energy efficiency in a variety of homes.
Coordinated by the Department of Energy, the $8 billion in grants, as part of the Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will be allocated to federal and state programs. In particular, the federal Weatherization Assistance program will receive $5 billion in funding, while states will receive grants totaling $3 billion. As a result, the government expects to create over 75,000 new job opportunities for contractors and those who are serving the project.
Additionally, the department will expend its State Energy program to cover a broader array of tax credits and rebates for energy saving adjustments, including Energy Star certified upgrades, alternative fuel (such as wind and solar powered energy), as well as rebates for modernized equipment. Expanding the income bracket for these opportunities, families will qualify for additional opportunities at up to twice the federal poverty level, and can qualify for up to $6,500 in grant rebates for green energy.
Households can also qualify for a variety of energy saving rebates and deducations through related programs, which give households incentives to make environmentally friendly decisions with respect to cars, housing and other opportunities. As a result, households are eligible for a broader set of rebates that can lower overall households expenses and allow families to expand their income brackets. Check with your local state weather assistance office to determine which programs you may qualify for: it’s possible that you can obtain broader savings by taking advantage of new tax credits and rebates on a whole array of green technologies, appliances and programs that are availiable in your area. In addition to federal credits, many states have unique programs which allow households to qualify for additional savings opportunities.
