Funding Could Help Local Families Lower Energy Bills

By Laura Lombardi

A new round of federal funding could help eligible Sumner County residents reduce their energy bills through free home weatherization services.

Last week, the U.S. Department of Energy announced more than $400 million in funding for weatherization programs across the country. Kansas will receive nearly $4 million to help income-eligible households improve their homes’ energy efficiency and lower monthly utility costs.

The Kansas Housing Resources Corporation administers the state’s Weatherization Assistance Program. Kansas will receive $3,596,758 through the Weatherization Assistance Program along with an additional $348,011 through the Weatherization Readiness Fund.

“Weatherization makes homes safe, efficient, and affordable,” said Ryan Vincent, executive director of the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation. “We’re pleased to work with our network of service providers to keep Kansas homes healthy and comfortable.”

In Sumner County, weatherization services are provided through South Central Kansas Economic Development.

Eligible households receive a free home energy audit to identify areas where energy is being lost, as well as potential health and safety concerns. Based on the results, certified energy auditors and professional crews may provide improvements at no cost to the homeowner.

Services may include:

• Sealing drafts and air leaks around doors and windows

• Adding insulation to ceilings, walls, floors and foundations

• Testing, repairing or replacing heating and cooling systems and water heaters

• Upgrading lighting, refrigerators and ventilation fans

Households receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or assistance through the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) automatically meet the program’s income eligibility requirements.

Priority may be given to households with older adults, individuals with disabilities, families with children, and households whose annual energy costs equal or exceed 15 percent of their annual income.

With utility costs continuing to impact many household budgets, the program offers eligible families an opportunity to reduce energy use without paying for the improvements themselves.

For more information or to apply, contact South Central Kansas Economic Development at (316) 262-7035 or sckedd.org.