Upper Chichester – October is National Energy Awareness Month and includes National Weatherization Day on October 30th.  Weatherization provides a cost-effective permanent solution for reducing the heavy energy burden on low-income Americans.  As the cold weather approaches, most families across the country are turning up their thermostats to combat dropping temperatures.  For low-income families, however, cranking up the heat is not always an option.  According to the U.S. Department of Energy, these families pay 16.3% or more of their annual incomes for energy compared to 3.5% for others.  However, Weatherization can help low-income families save an average of $283 per year. The Weatherization Program is available to help make low-income households more energy efficient.

The Weatherization Assistance Program was signed into law 46 years ago by President Gerald Ford.  Since then the Weatherization Assistance Program has been an incredibly successful federal, state and local partnership that serves every county in the U.S. and five U.S. territories.  The Weatherization Assistance Program serves single family, multifamily and manufactured housing.  Every dollar invested in the program returns over $4 to society in energy, health and safety benefits.

The Weatherization Assistance Program in Delaware County is administered by the Community Action Agency of Delaware County, Inc. (CAADC).  The program provides quality energy education and home conservation modifications.  CAADC also provides Weatherization services in Lebanon, Chester, Montgomery and Lancaster Counties.  All services are free of charge.

Edward T. Coleman, Chief Executive Officer of CAADC, urged, “This program can make a real tangible difference immediately to those already on a strained budget and continue to help them in the future.  This is an excellent time to call and get fast service before winter arrives and the program gets very busy.”

Funding for this program is provided by the PA Department of Community and Economic Development.  Income guidelines do apply.  To apply for the Weatherization Program or for additional information, residents can contact CAADC at (610) 521-8770.