House Bill 609 Could Expand State Weatherization Program
The Alabama Weatherization Assistance Program states its mission is to reduce energy costs for low-income households, particularly for the elderly, people with disabilities and families with children, by improving the energy efficiency of their homes while ensuring their health and safety.
Among the aspects of weatherization are air sealing, insulation, moisture control, and ventilation.
The program receives funding from the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. ADECA contracts with local community action agencies and the Central Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission to deliver weatherization assistance to low-income households in all 67 counties across the state.
House Bill 609, which is currently pending in the House Committee on Ways and Means General Fund, would make some significant changes to the current program. It would amend Sections 41-23-100 and 41-23-101, Code of Alabama 1975; to revise the threshold household income to qualify for weatherization assistance under the Neighbors Helping Neighbors Fund; to expand sources of monies that may be deposited in the fund; and to authorize the Department of Economic and Community Affairs to contract with certain nonprofit corporations to implement the weatherization assistance program.
The first step is a professional home energy audit, which can give you a better idea of your home’s energy use, comfort, and safety – and what improvements make the most sense for your household.
The current Weatherization Assistance Program State Plan runs through the end of June. Sponsored by Madison County Rep. Rex Reynolds (R-21), the legislation would become effective with activation of the new plan as of June 1 if passed by both chambers of the legislature and signed into law by Gov. Ivey.
The program for Bibb, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Lamar, Pickens, Sumter, Tuscaloosa is coordinated the Community Service Programs of West Alabama, Inc. in Tuscaloosa. The Perry County program is coordinated by the Central Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission in Montgomery. The program for Marengo County is overseen by the Community Action Agency of South Alabama in Daphne.
More From Tuscaloosa Thread
