Wisconsin Surpasses Home Energy Efficiency Goal and Helps More than 30,500 Homeowners Save on Utility Bills

State Weatherization Program Helps a Record Number of Wisconsin Families Save Money, Reduce Energy Use 

January 10, 2012 – (RealEstateRama) — U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu hosted a conference call today with Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) to announce that Wisconsin has surpassed its aggressive energy efficiency goal established with the U.S. Department of Energy for funding under the 2009 stimulus law, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Through the weatherization program, the state has helped a total of more than 30,500 Wisconsin families improve the energy efficiency of their homes over the last three years, saving the average household more than $400 a year on its energy utility bills.

These energy efficiency upgrades – which include adding insulation, sealing ducts, and installing more efficient windows, heaters, and cooling systems – are lowering energy bills for low-income families across the state, supporting economic growth, and creating jobs.

“The investment we’ve made over the last three years is paying huge dividends in Wisconsin and across the country,” said Secretary Chu. “Not only has it put Americans to work, it has helped families save money by saving energy. It is a win-win for the state and the country.”

“With so many Wisconsin families still struggling in this economy, it’s reassuring to know that weatherization funds are working, creating jobs, lowering energy bills, and conserving fuel in our state,” said Congresswoman Baldwin. “I’m delighted that so many families will benefit long-term thanks to this energy-saving program.”

Of the 30,500 homes weatherized in Wisconsin, more than 21,600 were upgraded through the Recovery Act, surpassing the state’s goal of 20,600 homes by more than 1000 homes. Wisconsin’s progress was an important part of the Energy Department’s program nationally, which has completed upgrades on more than 750,000 homes across the country over the past three years. Nationwide, this is expected to save more than $400 million in just the first year. The program has also helped train thousands of workers across the country and has spurred the demand for energy-efficient technologies and products. See a full list of homes weatherized in each state through November.

While the Weatherization Assistance Program is limited to lower-income families, most families can save on their utility bills by taking some simple, affordable steps like using more efficient light bulbs, sealing drafty cracks around doors and windows, or using a programmable thermostat. Larger upgrades can save families even more and will more than pay for themselves over time. Learn more at energysavers.gov.

DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy invests in clean energy technologies that strengthen the economy, protect the environment, and reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil. Learn more about DOE’s effort to enable low-income families to permanently reduce their energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient.