“This recovery package provides critical funding to address our rising energy costs and support renewable energy projects here in Michigan,” said Stabenow. “This investment will lower energy costs for families and businesses and create good-paying jobs.”

“Home weatherization and energy efficiency upgrades are two important ways for Michigan families to save money on their bills and help combat climate change at the same time,” said Levin. “I am pleased this funding has been allocated so quickly, and hopeful it will spur job creation in Michigan at a time when that is critically needed.”

Through the Weatherization Assistance Program, weatherization service providers install energy efficiency measures in the homes of qualifying homeowners free of charge. DOE provides funding and technical guidance to the states, but the states run their own programs and set rules for issues such as eligibility. States also select service providers, which are usually nonprofit agencies that serve families in their communities, and review their performance for quality.

The Weatherization Assistance Program funding will allow an average investment of up to $6,500 per home in energy efficiency upgrades and will be available for families making up to 200% of the federal poverty level. Under the program, weatherization services are cost-effective energy efficiency measures for existing residential and multifamily housing with low-income residents. This definition includes a wide variety of energy efficiency measures that encompass the building envelope and its heating and cooling systems, electrical system, and electricity consuming appliances.

The State Energy Program provides grants to states and directs funding to state energy offices to address their energy priorities and program funding to adopt emerging renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. This funding will be available for rebates to consumers for home energy audits or other energy saving improvements; development of renewable energy projects for clean electricity generation and alternative fuels; promotion of Energy Star products; efficiency upgrades for state and local government buildings; and other innovative state efforts to help save families money on their energy bills.

Nearly $8 billion in funding was distributed nationwide under the two programs. The breakdown of funding by program in Michigan can be found in the table below.

Weatherization State Energy Program Total
$ 243,398,975 $ 82,035,000 $ 325,433,975