Governor Tomblin encourages eligible West Virginians to apply for weatherization assistance program

Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin encourages eligible West Virginians to apply for the Weatherization Assistance Program as the winter season approaches. The federally based program utilizes 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.
“Many families across the state can simply turn up their thermostats to heat their homes, but some may not have that option. The Weatherization Assistance Program can help make lasting changes to these families’ homes and keep them warm for many winters,” Gov. Tomblin said.
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 federally based Weatherization Assistance Program assists with the reduction of residential energy burdens on low-income Americans. Weatherization saves each family, on average, $437 in heating and cooling costs every year at current prices.
To view eligibility requirements and learn how to apply, visit the Office of Economic Opportunity online at http://www.oeo.wv.gov/weatherization.