CHARLESTON, W.Va. — More savings are coming to homeowners across the Mountain State.
Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced Monday that West Virginia is receiving $88 million through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Home Energy Rebate Programs to cut down on utility costs. The governor joined U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Assistant Secretary Audrey Robertson, West Virginia’s energy chief Nick Preservati, along with other state and federal officials at the state Capitol for the announcement.
The money is allocated through two separate programs set to launch, the Home Owner Managing Energy Savings (HOMES) and Home Efficiency Appliance Rebates (HEAR). HOMES focuses on energy upgrades in residences, addressing heating and cooling systems, insulation, and more. HEAR provides savings on modern appliances such as electric stoves and water heaters.
Morrisey said the state is committed to making this a succesful program.
“We’re going to make sure that all West Virginians who qualify can take advantage of these dollars,” Morrisey said.
The governor noted that “thousands and thousands” of people are expected to benefit from these energy rebates. Additionally, he said, the Mountain State is paving the way on a national scale.
“West Virginia is the first,” Morrisey said. “We’re leading the way, and we’re happy to partner with the DOE. This is the first state to launch under the new federal guidance. We’ve already received more than 300 applications from homeowners during the pilot phase.”
It’s going to be a gamechanger for West Virginians, he said, helping the households that need it most.
“Unlike many other states, qualifying low-income families are going to be able to pay nothing out of pocket for eligible improvements within the program limits, and there are options for moderate-income families as well.”
Morrisey highlighted one particular West Virginian at Monday’s event, Judy Fry, who has already seen the benefits of the program.
“Judy was the first West Virginian homeowner to receive upgrades through the program,” Morrisey said. “She just received her first electric bill after those improvements. Her bill was over a third lower, saving her $102 per month.”
With West Virginia continuing to be the hub of energy and other economic investments, Morrisey said things are looking up. He cited the current affordability challenge that West Virginians, and people across the country, as a main priority. The governor said his administration is determined to attack the affordability issue “head on.”
“I’ve not been shy about not only just talking about it, but doing things about it,” Morrisey said. “We’re delivering and helping everyday people. Over the course of the year, we think this can help Judy save more than $1200. That can stay in her pocket, families’ pockets; that’s great.”
According to estimations, Morrisey said, millions of dollars will be saved through the energy rebate programs each year. He said that all in all, more money is staying in West Virginia homeowners’ pockets.
The first graduates from the West Virginia Certified Energy Contractor program were also recognized at the event. The program aims to attract contractors, electricians, HVAC workers, and weatherization technicians, getting them involved in the statewide initiative and ultimately helping homeowners in the state. Morrisey said the first batch of graduates completed eight months of training. He added there are 100 more workers currently in the training process as well.
Learn more about the federal programs here.