Reported by Staff

A senior DOE manager joined Colorado officials today to highlight the state’s work in weatherizing low-income homes using money provided by the ARRA. Colorado has surpassed 2,000 homes since the program began July 1, and it is one of five states leading the country in accomplishing this work quickly, effectively and efficiently.

The weatherization program is being administered by the Governor’s Energy Office, along with 11 partner organizations statewide.

Weatherization may not be as competlling an energy subject as, say giant wind turbines, but that hasn’t stopped Coloradoans in large numbers from seeking upgrades for their homes. In fact, all 11 partners statewide have waiting lists, but are moving quickly to keep waits to a minimum.

Overall, according to the GEO, the weatherization program has employed more than 400 people statewide; and in excess of 150 jobs have been added due to the increase in work under the Recovery Act.

The event today was conducted at the home of Hazel Johnson in Aurora. She was receiving insulation in her walls and attic as well as the foundation walls in the crawlspace. She was also receiving a new refrigerator to replace an old, inefficient model. The work on site was conducted by Arapahoe County’s weatherization division, one of the 11 GEO partners.

Present were Gil Sperling of the U.S. Department of Energy,  Colorado Recovery Act chief Don Elliman and Governor’s Energy Office director Tom Plant. Officials leading Arapahoe County’s weatherization division were also on site.

Colorado’s income-qualified homeowners are benefiting from nearly $80M over three years in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act dollars. Paired with regular DOE weatherization dollars, the state is expected to direct more than $100M to weatherizing thousands of homes over three years.

For help
Coloradoans needing more information about the income-qualified weatherization program
can call 888-206-2122.