Senator Kirsten Gillibrand was in Owego Tuesday, paying a visit to Tioga Opportunities to talk about funding for the Weatherization Program which seeks to save money and conserve energy by making homes more heat efficient. The program is federally funded, and those who are eligible for the HEAP program can also participate in the Weatherization program. Under the program, homes undergo an energy audit and then are made more energy efficient, saving about three dollars for every dollar spent, according to program administrators.
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand greeted a room full of people Tuesday afternoon at Tioga Opportunities in Owego before holding a press conference to show her support for the Weatherization Assistance Program. The program helps families reduce energy bills by making homes more energy efficient.
It’s an average savings of $400 per year, throughout the life of the equipment Gillibrand says, which over time, goes a long way. The program has economic impacts as well, including the creation of jobs, as well as the manufacturing and sale of goods related to weatherization.
Energy Services Director Andrew Hafer says the program saves three dollars for every dollar spent. On average, the program invests $6,500 per household to upgrade windows, doors, weather stripping, insulation, and even boilers.
Democratic Senator Gillibrand, joined by Republican Congressman Richard Hanna, says that the federal government is currently considering a $210 million budget in the next year for the Weatherization Assistance Program, something she hopes President Obama not only approves, but also makes a priority in the years to come.
