Latest news with #JimStill-Pepper
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New Energy Saver Program launches, offering savings on home upgrades
Hoosiers can now apply to the Indiana Energy Saver Program to save money and make their home more energy efficient. (Photo by Jim Still-Pepper/iStock via Getty Images) Low-to-moderate income Hoosiers can now apply to the Indiana Energy Saver Program to save money and make their home more energy efficient. The Indiana Office of Energy Development launched the $182 million federally funded program last week, aimed at reducing utility costs, improving home comfort and boosting energy efficiency for homeowners, tenants, landlords and contractors. According to the release, this first-come, first-served program aligns with Indiana Gov. Mike Braun's mission to enhance affordability and promote sustainable living across the state. 'Cutting energy costs is at the very heart of what we are focused on,' Braun said in the release. 'The Indiana Energy Saver Program prioritizes practical solutions to improve energy affordability and deliver quality products.' Starting this summer, eligible applicants can receive a no-cost energy audit to find potential energy-saving improvements. Following the audit, participants can access two rebate programs: the Home Efficiency Rebate and the Home Appliance Rebate. Each rebate amount depends on household income and project type. The HOMES program funds energy efficiency upgrades including insulation, air sealing, duct sealing, and Energy Star-certified heating, cooling, water heaters, appliances and lighting. Low-income households earning less than 80% of the county's area median income can receive rebates up to 100% of project costs. The HEAR program targets households earning less than 150% of the area median income. It provides subsidies for energy-efficient appliances and systems such as heat pump water heaters, HVAC systems, clothes dryer, electric stoves, cooktops, ranges, ovens and electrical system enhancements. 'The Indiana Office of Energy Development is committed to affordable energy solutions to all Hoosiers,' said Jon Ford, executive director of IOED. 'The Indiana Energy Saver Program is an important instrument in our all of the above strategy that strengthens our efforts to decrease energy costs and enhance home comfort for consumers.' The IOED is partnering with Vincent Village, Inc., a Fort Wayne organization that provides housing and supportive services for families experiencing homelessness. Together, they are launching the program's first pilot project, investing $60,000 to upgrade four homes with energy efficient improvements. Hoosiers can learn more about the required documentations needed for the application and apply here. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
WV officials reviewing impacts of federal utility assistance program layoffs
The Trump administration has reportedly cut the entire staff of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which provided utility assistance or aid for repairs to approximately 50,000 households throughout the West Virginia last year. (Jim Still-Pepper | iStock via Getty Images) West Virginia officials say they're reviewing the impacts of potential cuts to a federal program that helped thousands of state residents pay for heating and cooling last year. The Trump administration, through the Department of Government Efficiency, has reportedly cut the entire staff of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Last year, the program provided utility assistance or aid for repairs to approximately 50,000 households throughout the state. 'The West Virginia Department of Human Services is aware of discussions regarding federal funding for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP),' Angel Hightower, a spokeswoman for the Department of Human Services, wrote in an email to West Virginia Watch. 'At this time, we are reviewing any potential impacts on the program and will provide updates as more information becomes available.' LIEAP is the state's version of the federal program. In fiscal year 2024, LIHEAP provided assistance to 45,270 West Virginia households, according to the state. In addition, 3,235 West Virginia households got help from Emergency LIHEAP, another 846 homes got assistance for heating system repairs and replacements, and 586 homes got weatherization services through the program. Nationally, the program provided 5.9 million households with a total of $6.2 billion in funding in 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The layoffs at LIHEAP were part of Health and Human Services' larger reduction in force of 10,000 employees that officials say will save taxpayers $1.8 billion per year. The restructuring will 'streamline' functions of the department, consolidating 28 divisions into 15, including a new 'Administration for a Healthy America.' The department will prioritize ending chronic disease by focusing on 'safe, wholesome food, clean water and the elimination of environmental toxins,' the department said. 'We aren't just reducing bureaucratic sprawl. We are realigning the organization with its core mission and our new priorities in reversing the chronic disease epidemic,' HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. said in a statement. 'This department will do more — a lot more — at a lower cost to the taxpayer.' When asked about how the restructuring will affect LIHEAP, HHS press secretary Vianca N. Rodriguez Feliciano wrote in an email that 'HHS will continue to comply with [statutory] requirements, and as a result of the reorganization, will be better positioned to execute on Congress's statutory intent.' She did not respond to a followup question asking for clarification. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
