February 5 , 2004 News Media Release

Free weatherization program helps elderly, disabled, low-income save on energy bills

Austin Energy offers the most comprehensive free weatherization program in the nation to help low-income and elderly and disabled residents with moderate-incomes make their homes more comfortable and reduce their heating and cooling costs by as much as 30%. Austin Energy has been weatherizing homes this winter but now is also a good time to weatherize your home for the hot months of summer.

From about 9 a.m. to noon on Friday, February 6 , an Austin Energy free weatherization contractor will seal ducts, add insulation and weather-strip a home at 5407 Stuart Circle near Johnston High School. The media are invited.

More than 10,000 residents have already taken advantage of the program since its inception in 1982. Austin Energy provides the contractors and all of the materials necessary for them to make improvements that are needed. The program provides:

	Additional attic insulation, if needed
	Repair and caulking of ductwork
	Caulking and weather stripping
	Installation of solar screens
	Free carbon monoxide detector
	Free smoke detector
	Free energy-efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs

Both homeowners and renters are eligible and must meet income guidelines. Homes with an appraised value of more than $150,000 are not eligible. Renters must have lived in their homes for at least a year. For more information about the program, customers can call 974-7827 or visit the Austin Energy Web site at www.austinenergy.com.

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For more information, contact Ed Clark, Public Information.
Phone: (512) 322-6514
Pager: (512) 802-2000