The Biden-Harris Administration has announced $25 million in funding aimed at reducing home energy costs for American families. This initiative, part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, will support 13 projects under the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). The funding is sourced from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and aligns with the Justice40 Initiative, which seeks to ensure that 40% of certain federal investments benefit disadvantaged communities.
“For more than four decades, the Weatherization Assistance Program has helped over 7 million families save hundreds every year on home energy bills, and now we’re taking the program to the next level,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “We’re expanding the program’s reach to invest in more low-income households and build up a localized clean energy workforce all while keeping money in the pockets of hardworking Americans.”
This announcement marks the second round of funding from the Enhancement and Innovation grant, following a $37.9 million award to 21 projects in March 2023. These grants are available to existing WAP grantees, subgrantees, and other nonprofit organizations.
The selected projects aim to assist low-income households by addressing issues such as roof and electric repairs, increasing renewable energy use like solar panel installations, enhancing health and safety measures, and promoting best practices in weatherization. Additionally, these grants are expected to create jobs and stimulate economic growth by encouraging weatherization providers to hire and train employees from disadvantaged communities.
The funded projects cover three areas: multifamily housing, single-family and manufactured housing, and workforce development.
Among the highlighted projects:
- Southface Energy Institute, Inc., will lead weatherization efforts for 200 low-income multifamily housing units in Atlanta, Georgia. They will also train building managers on sustainable building management software ($1.9 million).
- New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority will perform home repairs, comprehensive weatherization, and solar panel installation for 115-140 homes on waitlists in Doña Ana County ($1.5 million).
- Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency will establish a workforce development program in Detroit to recruit at least 50 trainees who will receive training through classroom sessions and hands-on experience ($2 million).
Other notable awards include:
Single-Family and Manufactured Housing:
- New Hampshire Community Loan Fund ($1.8 million)
- Multnomah County in Oregon ($2 million)
- Rebuilding Together New Orleans ($2 million)
- Miami-Dade County ($2 million)
- Pierce County Human Services Community Action Division in Washington State ($2 million)
Workforce Development:
- Downeast Community Partners in Maine ($1.7 million)
- Community Action Committee of Lehigh Valley Inc. in Pennsylvania ($1.7 million)
- American Association of Blacks in Energy in New Jersey ($2 million)
- Faith in Place in Illinois ($1.9 million)
- Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development ($2 million)
For further details on these projects and previous E&I awarded projects, visit the Weatherization Assistance Program Enhancement and Innovation Selections website.