WASHINGTON, DC -- In an effort to help more Rhode Islanders save on their energy bills, increase energy efficiency, and reduce our nation's demand for fossil fuels, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today announced that Rhode Island will receive $1,150,982 from the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) for this fiscal year. WAP helps low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled by improving the energy efficiency of low-income housing.

"This critical federal funding will help hundreds of Rhode Islanders save on their home energy bills this year. With home heating prices reaching all-time highs, this federal investment will provide families with some relief so they can use the money for other vital essentials," said Reed, who has helped secure over $5.75 million in federal funding over the last five years for weatherization efforts in Rhode Island. "This is a forward-looking program that helps people insulate their homes and allows them to save money. It also makes good environmental sense. We now save more energy each year from energy efficiency than we get from any single energy source, including oil, natural gas, coal, and nuclear power, reducing pollution from greenhouse gases that lead to global warming."

Since the program began in 1975, WAP has helped weatherize more than 33,000 Rhode Island homes benefitting 87,642 Rhode Islanders and saving consumers over 101 million gallons of heating oil. The federal funding from last year's program award was used to complete 959 homes occupied by 2,498 people.

Energy expenses comprise an economic drain on low-income communities. On average, energy bills account for about 14% of a low-income family's gross income, and for many it may account for 20% or more. Economists estimate that more than 80% of energy expenses leave low-income communities, and thus do not circulate and generate additional economic activity inside those communities. Weatherization reduces heating bills an average of 31%.