Latest news with #WeatherizationAssistanceProgram
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Clean energy advocates concerned about how federal cuts and freezes could affect clean energy efficiency programs in the CSRA
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – State Senator Harold Jones and local clean energy leaders are speaking out about how those cuts could impact the funding of clean energy programs and what that means for the community. Programs like the Weatherization Assistance Program and Solar for All help lower utility costs for some Georgia families. They also promote workforce development, home energy savings, and address climate issues. Georgia State Senator Harold Jones is opposed to those cuts. He says they'll raise costs and cut jobs. 'These are not buzz words about clean energy or weatherization,' said State Senator Harold Jones. 'These things actually matter to people. Actually, puts more money in their pockets. Also improves the economy and the environment. All of that is connected to actually having a better society.' Nicole Lee is a business owner who has seen how weatherization and solar power help low- to moderate-income families save hundreds of dollars in utility costs thanks to these programs. 'Just to see the widespread of ones solar as well as weatherization work in in multiple states and seeing the impact that it helps in LMI communities is astonishing, and so I'm hoping that you know bipartisan funding is able to be passed so that these programs can continue to exist,' said Nicole Lee, Owner of Be Smart Home Solutions. Paige Brockmeyer is part of the Citizens Climate Lobby in Augusta and wants to encourage people to continue reaching out to state and federal lawmakers and encourage them to vote against cuts to these programs. She says the health of Georgians depends on it. 'The more particulate matter that's in the air from burning fossil fuels, the more respiratory problems we have. So, that's kind of at one level, and at another level, you have events like Hurricane Helene,' said Paige Brockmeyer, Volunteer Group Leader, Citizens Climate Lobby Augusta. The speakers wanted to bring attention to Georgia's congressional delegation to protect these programs so that only the heat rises this summer and not utility costs. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Always Pay These 7 Monthly Bills Before the First of the Month
Most Americans are in debt. With cost of living still surging and lingering inflation, budgets are tight, prompting many to rely on credit cards for living expenses and groceries. Trending Now: Learn More: With soaring costs affecting everything from housing to cars, food, basic necessities and more, many are tackling multiple debts each month, which can make the task of paying them down seem impossible. Prioritizing which bills should be paid is key, so we've formulated some helpful guidance to help you strategize monthly expense payments. Having a roof over your head should be the top priority. Pay the mortgage or rent every month to prevent being evicted or the bank taking away your home. If you're unable to pay, contact your landlord or lender and have an honest conversation about your circumstances. 'Often, they can point you towards programs that help homeowners or renters who are in similar situations,' per American Family Insurance. The site explained, 'For example, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (Opens in a new tab) has resources and programs to help if you're having trouble keeping up with mortgage payments and can help you avoid foreclosure.' Warren Buffett: Shelter is a necessity, but you don't want to be in the dark. Paying the electric and water bills is also a must in order to properly function and live in your home. Programs like the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Weatherization Assistance Program can assist during hard times. It might not feel like it, but grocery prices are starting to level off. That doesn't mean the cost of food is going down, though. It's just not increasing at a significant rate like in previous months, per the U.S. Department of Agriculture. That said, many struggle to stock their fridge and pantry while juggling numerous debts. Food isn't an option, so this bill must be paid, but there are food pantries across the U.S. that can help if needed. Depending on where you live, you probably need a car, so this is another monthly expense to prioritize. That also includes insurance. According to Rachel Cruze from Ramsey Solutions, if you have high payments that you can't afford or cannot pay off your car in 24-28 months, selling it for a more affordable option is worth considering. She explained, 'Make sure the total value of your car or if you have a family, the total value of all the cars you own does not exceed 50% of your annual salary,' in a recent video. A pile of medical bills is the last thing needed when already dealing with mounting debt. If you're self-employed or don't have a job that covers your health insurance, this is a bill also to prioritize. A lapse in coverage can cause big problems, like avoiding the doctor because it's unaffordable, and a health issue turns into a bigger health problem, or an accident or injury occurs. Health insurance is a must-have bill that can't be skipped. As tempting as it might be not to repay a student loan, Suze Orman, host of the 'Women & Money' podcast, previously told GOBankigRates, 'People need to remember to not put off paying your student loans. It's not going away and it should be the first monthly bill you pay. It's not going to disappear. You can't bankrupt your student loan.' To fit a student loan payment back into your budget, Orman stated, 'Give up eating out or other unnecessary expenses so you can start making your payments.' Credit cards have high interest rates, so paying the statement balance each month is better. However, if that's not possible, talk to your credit card company and work out an affordable payment plan. You don't want to ruin your credit and prevent qualifying for loans down the road, but 'at the end of the day, it's more important to pay bills that keep your family healthy and safe,' American Family Insurance stated. More From GOBankingRatesMark Cuban Wants To Reshape Healthcare -- 5 Ways His Approach Could Save Americans Money5 Cities You Need To Consider If You're Retiring in 2025 This article originally appeared on Always Pay These 7 Monthly Bills Before the First of the Month Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Riley backs bill that aims to lower energy costs
(WIVT/WBGH) – Congressman Josh Riley is backing a bipartisan bill aimed at lowering energy costs. The freshman Democrat has introduced the Weatherization Enhancement and Readiness Act which would add additional funding to a program already run by the Department of Energy. The DOE's Weatherization Assistance Program provides funding for insulation, air sealing and moisture control. Riley says the effort also covers energy assessments for homes. He says the average family that participates in the program saves nearly $400 a year on their utility bills. 'I've got families across the region that are really struggling to get by, making really tough choices between paying the utility bills, cutting back on the groceries, maybe picking up extra shifts at work, but then you need to pay for more childcare,' said Riley. Co-sponsors on the bill include fellow Upstate New York representatives Democrat Paul Tonko and Republican Mike Lawler. The act would reauthorize the funding through 2030. ACA launches rebrand with help of former client Riley backs bill that aims to lower energy costs Molinaro nominated to lead Federal Transit Administration Truth Pharm continues to combat opioid crisis with new initiatives Long-Stay Pet Program helps pets find forever home Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
16-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Delaware ranks among worst states for energy assistance. What support is available?
A new study ranked Delaware as the sixth-worst state for energy assistance and support, compared to other states despite multiple programs aimed at helping residents manage their energy costs. The review, conducted by Home Energy Club, a digital marketing firm specializing in electricity plans, examined states' energy assistance support. Factors such as funding per person for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), the number of renewable energy programs and the average energy price in each state were considered in the rank. According to the report, Delaware scored 3.33 out of 10. While the state provides $24.59 per person in LIHEAP funding — higher than four of the five least supportive states — its average energy price ($27.74 per million BTU) and limited renewable energy incentives curtail a higher placement. The study's top five worst states for energy assistance are: Hawaii – Score: 0.80 Nevada – Score: 1.53 Arizona – Score: 2.13 Tennessee – Score: 2.67 District of Columbia – Score: 2.87 Although it scored low, Delaware offers several comprehensive assistance programs for residents struggling with energy costs. In fiscal year 2023, the program assisted over 23,500 households through various initiatives, including the Weatherization Assistance Program and the Summer Cooling Assistance Program. The Delaware Energy Assistance Program (DEAP) provides financial assistance to income-eligible residents to help cover the cost of energy bills, energy crises and home weatherization repairs. Administered by the Division of State Service Centers, may apply for benefits online at the Department of Health & Human Services website or by contacting Catholic Charities in their county. For Delaware households at or below 60% of Delaware's median income seeking help with energy costs, the state offers these options: Delaware Energy Assistance Program (DEAP)/LIHEAP Heating assistance: Available October through April, with benefits ranging from $200 to $4,973 Cooling assistance: Runs May through August, offering up to $1,000 in support Crisis assistance: Year-round emergency help up to $10,000 Weatherization Assistance Program Offered through the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Provides free home energy efficiency improvements such as weatherstripping, insulation and light bulbs Available to both homeowners and renters Contact the Energy Coordinating Agency to make an appointment Residents facing energy hardships can also explore assistance through the Energize Delaware, First State Community Action Agency and utility company assistance programs. Energize Delaware Energize Delaware is a nonprofit organization offering several programs to help residents reduce energy consumption and become more energy efficient. Here are some services it offers: Energy audit, counseling and check-up services Rebates on upgrades like new heating/cooling systems and hot water heaters Low-interest loans or grants for large renewable energy systems (e.g., solar, geothermal) Available to residential and non-residential customers Chesapeake Utilities The Chesapeake Utilities serves approximately 108,000 customers in Delaware and Maryland. The Chesapeake Utilities Corporation SHARING grant helps eligible Chesapeake Utilities customers with winter heating costs. Customer donations, matched by shareholders, are administered by Catholic Charities (Kent/New Castle) and the Salvation Army (Sussex). To request assistance, apply on the SHARING program's website or call: New Castle County: 302-654-9295 Kent County: 302-674-1782 Sussex County: 302-856-6310 Delmarva Power Delmarva Power's Good Neighbor Energy Fund matches customer contributions with a donation from shareholders. A household must first apply for LIHEAP. Funds are administered by the Salvation Army. Call 302-472-0750 for more information. First State Community Action Agency To apply for the Summer Cooling Assistance Program, which helps eligible residents offset cooling costs or receive a free in-window air conditioner, visit the First State Community Action Agency's website. You can contact Anitra Johnson at ajohnson@ This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware Energy Assistance Programs for residents ranks low
