Jan 19 2009
When Tiffany Jones moves her family into their new home built by Habitat for Humanity's Greater Harrisburg Area chapter, she can rest a bit easier knowing their heating bill will be manageable.
The local Habitat for Humanity chapter builds all of its new homes and rehabilitated homes to be energy efficient and well sealed. The walls and ceilings are insulated, and the windows, doors, furnace and appliances are all Energy Star-rated for high efficiency. All wall penetrations to the outside are sealed and insulated, and the doors are weather-stripped to help the Habitat for Humanity families stretch their energy dollars.
"Families all across Pennsylvania are having problems paying their energy bills during these difficult economic times, but there are practical steps each of us can take to conserve energy and save money, too," said Environmental Protection acting Secretary John Hanger as he toured the Habitat for Humanity construction site on Brady Street.
"Energy prices have come down from their record highs, but they aren't more affordable given the economic situation," Hanger said. "We are seeing that in the increasing applications for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which are up by more than 110,000 over this time last year. That is why energy assistance in Pennsylvania means money to help pay energy bills and help to conserve energy so our fellow citizens can stay warm all winter."
In October, Governor Edward G. Rendell announced $280 million in funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which helps income-eligible households pay heating bills and address heating emergencies. The state also expanded eligibility for LIHEAP to Pennsylvanians earning up to $44,443 for a family of four - an increase from 150 percent of the federal poverty level to approximately 210 percent of the federal poverty level.
To boost public awareness of home energy conservation, Pennsylvania launched the "Turn Down, Seal Off, Save Up" outreach campaign to encourage residents to turn down their thermostats and seal off drafts in order to save as much as $740 in annual heating costs.
The campaign's Web site, www.turnsealsave.org, includes tips on how to make a home more energy efficient, contact information for financial assistance, and an online toolkit featuring resources people and organizations can use to raise awareness in their communities.
Long-term energy conservation assistance will come through legislation that enacted key pieces of Governor Rendell's Energy Independence Strategy. The Alternative Energy Investment Act, signed by the Governor last July, includes $237.5 million specifically targeted toward helping consumers conserve electricity and manage higher energy prices.
Electricity consumers will also benefit from energy conservation plans utilities are required to design and implement under Act 129, another cornerstone of Governor Rendell's energy policies. Act 129 will save consumers $500 million over the next five years and more than $800 million annually beginning in 2013.