The Energy Matrix

The state of Minnesota and the city of Phoenix, Arizona each have something to celebrate these days. Minnesota was recently awarded 6 million dollars to continue its progress with the Weatherization Assistance Program, provided by the U.S. Department of Energy through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Not only will this funding increase the amount of low-income homes optimized to save money on their energy bills, but the money will also help create jobs for construction workers. Similarly, the city of Phoenix was awarded 700,000 to continue installing solar or heating pumps in low- and moderate-income homes.Minnesota and Phoenix are just two of the sites benefitting from the Weatherization Assistance Program, which has awarded 90 million across the U.S., U.S. territories, and various Native American tribes. The program has been around in one form or another since 1976, although its emphasis on energy considerations has changed in recent years to include more alternative forms (like solar energy). Families that benefit from the Program can expect reductions of about 437 in fuel prices.As mentioned above, early weatherizing techniques were simple and low-cost, and included sheeting up windows and caulking doors. However, these were temporary placeholders, at best. The 1980s saw a revolution as the DOE started supporting energy efficiency improvements in existing heating systems, and the 1990s added cooling considerations as well. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 added 5 million to the budget, supporting President Barack Obama’s goal of weatherizing 1 million homes per year.As people across America search for ways to improve their energy bills, the WAP is offering whatever assistance it can. Even if you don’t benefit from the program, you can replicate the energy-saving procedures in your own home and watch in wonder as your energy bill drops.

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