LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is receiving a large increase in federal funding for home weatherization.
This comes as Governor Gretchen Whitmer proclaims October as Weatherization Month.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law signed by President Biden created a $3.5 billion stimulus for the Weatherization Assistance Program to existing funding. This means more than $183 million in additional funding is available to Michigan over the life of the stimulus, estimated at five to seven years.
Officials say if the spending occurs over five years, it will roughly triple annual production and expenditures in Michigan from 1,300 to 3,900 homes. They went onto say that the federal funds have been released and will be available to local weatherization operators beginning November 1.
MDHHS uses Community Action Agencies and non-profit organizations to provide weatherization services at local levels.
The Weatherization Assistance Program reduces household energy costs by an average of $283 per year – benefitting approximately 1,500 low-income families in Michigan. Income eligibility is up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level, or $36,620 for a household of two or $55,500 for a household of four.
Eligibility is based on household income and if the home’s current condition is weatherization ready. Anyone interested in applying for the Weatherization Assistance Program can contact their local provider.
More information about home energy savings can be found by visiting the websites below that cover:
- Air Sealing your home.
- Energy Efficiency Tips from Consumers Energy.
- The Energy Saver Guide from Energy.gov.
- Twenty-five Quick and Easy Energy Saving Tips from Direct Energy.
- Energy Efficiency Tips for Renters and Homeowners from Energy.gov
Training for those who work in the Weatherization Assistance Program is provided by the Michigan Training and Education Center. For more information about the training, visit www.MichiganTEC.org.
