ASHLAND — Kentucky Power President and COO Cindy Wiseman announced Friday that the Kentucky Power Foundation is awarding a $1 million grant to Community Action Program agencies to assist weatherization programs in eastern Kentucky.
“Eastern Kentucky has long faced the challenges of severe weather, and the recent cold temperatures have really highlighted the urgent need for weather-readiness programs to improve the energy efficiency of homes in our service area,” Wiseman said. “We are pleased to provide these grants to help our customers make necessary home repairs that will enable them to participate in the weatherization program.”
This grant will enhance existing weatherization initiatives, providing funding for critical home repairs that are necessary for homeowners to qualify for the federally funded Department of Energy Weatherization Assistance Program, which reduces energy consumption for low-income families and individuals.
The money will be paid out over a period of five years to three CAP agencies:
- Big Sandy Area Community Action Program will receive $230,000.
- Northeast Kentucky Community Action Agency will receive $320,000.
- LKLP Community Action Council (Leslie, Knott, Letcher and Perry counties) will receive $450,000.
According to KPF, residential customers in eastern Kentucky consume approximately 40% more electricity than the national average, attributed mainly to inadequate weatherization of homes. KPF also points out that in 14 counties served by the grant recipient agencies, 27% of residents live below the poverty threshold.
Renny Hall, associate director for Big Sandy Area CAP, said those statistics help tell the story of how invaluable this grant is for communities served by the agencies.
“This grant provides the flexibility and resources we need to address critical energy efficiency challenges while tailoring solutions to meet the unique needs of each home,” Hall said. “This support allows us to expand the reach of our Weatherization Assistance Program, ensuring that more families can live in safer, healthier and more energy-efficient homes.”
Weatherization improvements typically include the addition of quality insulation, upgrading or repairing heating and cooling systems, and providing access to energy-efficient appliances that use less electricity.
Contact your local CAP office for more information.
Kentucky Power Foundation is part of the American Electric Power Foundation.