Chautauqua County will receive $200,000 in Weatherization Assistance Program funding through the U.S. Department of Energy, according to U.S. Rep. Brian Higgins, D-South Buffalo.
The federal funds were awarded to Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc., allowing the organization to build on their existing weatherization work.
"An upfront investment in home weatherization projects creates a life time of energy savings," Higgins said. "This innovative project by Chautauqua Opportunities is a positive step in incorporating alternative energy toward the goal of reducing our dependence on foreign oil. In addition, the work it creates in the construction and supply industries supports jobs and hardworking local families."
Chautauqua Opportunities was one of only four agencies in New York state to receive funds in this round. The organization will use the funding for the installation of solar hot water tanks. COI expects to install the systems in approximately 10 local homes that are currently or were previously involved in the weatherization program. With the Recovery Act, COI has been able to triple the number of families served each year. Families who have weatherized their homes see on average a 23 percent reduction in energy usage - an immediate and direct savings for the family by reducing their utility bills. COI has received $3,028,701 in Recovery Act funds for various local initiatives.
"Chautauqua Opportunities Inc. is pleased to be able to bring sustainable energy resources to the residents of Chautauqua County,'' said COI Executive Director Roberta Keller. ''This money has been allocated by the Department of Energy to assist low income homeowners. Our units will have the capacity to measure savings for these homeowners. We will also be able to provide this service in the future for other pro-active residents on a fee for service basis."
The Recovery Act provided an additional $5 billion for the Weatherization Assistance Program which supports energy efficient home improvements toward the goal of permanently reducing home energy bills and our nation's energy consumption.
In the last 18 months over 22,700 homes in New York and nearly 287,000 homes nationwide underwent weatherization improvements. The National Laboratory found that families that completed weatherization in their homes saved on average $400 in energy costs the following year.