Population Served

• The Program specifically focuses on assisting low-income people—income cannot exceed 150 percent of the federal poverty income guideline level
• Preference is given to the elderly, people with disabilities, and families with children
• Last year, 2,467 homes were weatherized, serving 3,618 clients

Benefits of Weatherization

Since its inception in 1976, more than 5.7 million households have experienced energy-efficiency, financial, health and safety gains through the Program.  "Weatherization Works" in many ways. 

The following are examples of the economic, environmental and social impacts weatherization has on communities:

Economic

• Nationally, weatherization activities return $1.41 in energy-related benefits for every $1 invested
• Each family served through weatherization could save more than $6000 over the life of the services installed
• Fifty-two direct jobs are created for every million dollars invested in weatherization

Environmental

• Weatherization measures reduce carbon dioxide emissions by an average of one metric ton per weatherized home.  Carbon dioxide is strongly correlated with global warming
• Weatherized homes reduce residential energy demand which decreases energy generation and associated power plant emissions, a significant source of air pollution
• Weatherization measures reduce national energy consumption and curb demand for imported oil

Social

• Georgia’s Weatherization Program also stresses the importance of a client’s health and safety by installing smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
• Low-income households typically spend 19 percent of their total annual income on energy, compared with 3.5 percent of other residents.  Often, these families cut back on other necessities to pay for energy bills.  Weatherization measures provide long-term relief for low-income families, protecting them from fluctuations in energy prices and supplies