$3 million in home weatherization grants available to low-income people in Alabama

FILE – (AP Photo/Paul Vernon)

More than $3 million in grant money will be available to lower energy costs for low-income Alabama residents.

Gov. Kay Ivey has announced the grants, which have a focus on helping the elderly, people with disabilities and families with children.

The grants support the Weatherization Assistance Program, which helps residents lower their bills by making their homes more energy efficient.

“Energy costs can be overwhelming for low-income Alabama residents, especially during times of extreme heat or cold,” Gov. Kay Ivey said. “Recipients of this assistance will be able to upgrade their homes in ways that will lower their bills both now and in the future.”

The funds have been awarded to 13 local agencies throughout the state that will accept applications for help from people in their area.

An energy audit is conducted of each home that qualifies for weatherization assistance to determine the most cost-efficient measures. Common improvements include installing extra insulation in the attic, walls and floor; sealing air leaks around doors and windows; repairs or tune-ups for air conditioning and heating units; and replacing incandescent light bulbs with high-efficiency bulbs. In addition to lowering energy bills, the improvements can reduce the risk of fire and other hazards.

Below is a list of the community agencies that are receiving funding. Please note that the funding allocations announced today may not be immediately available for application at the local level. The application periods are established locally by each community agency.

Montgomery County Commission c/o Central Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission (Montgomery) — $158,378. (334) 262-4300

Central Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission (Autauga, Dallas, Elmore, Macon, Perry, Chilton, Russell, Shelby) — $272,511. (334) 262-4300

Organized Community Action Program Inc. (Bullock, Barbour, Butler, Coffee, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, Geneva, Henry, Houston, Lowndes, Pike) — $298,359. (334) 566-1712

Community Action Agency of South Alabama (Marengo, Wilcox, Monroe, Baldwin, Clarke, Escambia, Conecuh) — $216,447. (251) 626-2646

Alabama Council on Human Relations Inc. (Lee) — $101,766. (334) 821-8336

Community Action Committee Inc. of Chambers-Tallapoosa-Coosa (Chambers, Tallapoosa, Coosa) — $64,331. (256) 825-4287

Community Service Programs of West Alabama Inc. (Bibb, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Pickens, Lamar, Sumter, Tuscaloosa) — $224,366. (205) 469-0397

Community Action Agency of Northeast Alabama Inc. (Blount, Cherokee, DeKalb, Jackson, Jefferson, Marshall, St. Clair, Etowah) — $695,483. (256) 638-4430

Community Action Partnership of North Alabama Inc. (Cullman, Lawrence, Morgan, Marion, Walker, Winston) — $212,925. (256) 355-7843

Community Action Agency of Northwest Alabama Inc. (Colbert, Franklin, Lauderdale) — $110,551. (256) 383-3832

Community Action Partnership of Huntsville/Madison and Limestone Counties Inc. (Madison, Limestone) – $211,007. (256) 851-9800

Community Action Agency of Talladega, Clay, Randolph, Calhoun and Cleburne Counties Inc. (Clay, Randolph, Talladega, Calhoun, Cleburne) — $170,873. (256) 781-0004

Mobile Community Action Inc. (Mobile, Washington, Choctaw) — $310,990. (251) 457-5700

Please note that the funding allocations announced today may not be immediately available for application at the local level. The application periods are established locally by each community agency.

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

— Information from the Office of Gov. Kay Ivey