Citizens for Citizens & Energy Bucks Team Up To Assist Local Homeowner
A joint press conference was held with CFC‘s Weatherization Program and the utility sponsored Energy Bucks Program to showcase a home that will receive more than $6,000 in free weatherization services and reduce energy consumption by 30%.
The home of John Cruz & his wife Kimberly Benoit-Cruz resembled an invasion of energy efficient warriors determined to reduce the energy usage of the homeowners. Professional weatherization contractors were removing the siding of their home so insulation could be blown into the wall cavities. Insulated covers were fabricated so after the attic was insulated the attic pull down stairs could be covered to prevent the heated air from escaping through any cracks or openings leading to the attic.
WAP Contractor preparing the walls for blown in insullation
Energy Bucks Diana Duffy speaking to the gathering
All of these activities are the result of Citizens for Citizens Weatherization Program (WAP) located at 427 Robeson Street, Fall River. Weatherization Director: Madeleine Cormier said “CFC’s WAP program recently received more than $8,500,000 from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to weatherize more than 1,200 homes in the Greater Fall River, Taunton and New Bedford areas over the next 2 ½ years.”
Weatherization Director Madeleine Cormier and State Rep. Mike Rodrigues discussing the WAP program
Also on hand was State Representative, Michael J. Rodrigues who addressed the gathering “I have always been a strong supporter of the weatherization activities that CFC provides to the residents in Fall River area.” Representing the Energy Bucks Program was Senior Program Manager: Diana Duffy. Ms Duffy explained the partnership between CFC & Energy Bucks and the importance of the contributions of the utility sponsored program to supplement the weatherization activities. Liz Berube CFC’s Fuel Assistance Director explained that the Fuel Assistance Program provides the Weatherization and Home Heating Repair/Replacement Programs with the income verification necessary to determine income eligibility.
The Cruz family qualified for the Fuel Assistance Program which automatically qualified them for the WAP Program. After they applied for weatherization, a site specific energy audit was performed by one of CFC’s Department of Energy certified auditors and the results of the audit determines what type of energy efficient work should be installed. The audit is returned to the WAP office and work orders are prepared for private contractors. After the work has been completed all the measures are inspected to ensure that the work was performed in accordance with state specifications. All work is performed by licensed and insured private contractors. Many of the contractors have been providing energy efficient measures for CFC for numerous years.
Some of the measures that can be provided at no cost to the homeowner or tenants include: Attic and wall insulation, weather-stripping doors and windows, sealing air leaks throughout the home, low flow shower heads and other energy saving measures.
People interested in applying for the Weatherization Program should call 508-675-2157 and ask for the weatherization program for more information or click here.
