Delaware has been awarded $1.5 million from the federal government to support the decarbonization of low-income households in the state. This funding, provided through the Sustainable Energy Resources for Consumers (SERC) grant as part of President Biden’s Justice40 initiative, aims to expand Delaware’s Weatherization Assistance Program and reduce energy costs for those most affected by climate change. The state plans to use the funds for an electrification and solar pairing initiative for single-family detached homes, replacing fossil fuel-burning systems with electric heat pumps.
Derek Schroeder, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Weatherization Assistance Program Manager for Training and Technical Assistance, highlighted the importance of these initiatives in creating more resilient communities, reducing carbon emissions, and lowering utility bills for families nationwide. Residents can apply for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program through the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services to potentially qualify for decarbonization services.
The Weatherization Assistance Program has already assisted millions of households across the country, leading to an average energy bill savings of 30%. The grants are expected to be distributed in early 2025, with the implementation stage beginning in the middle of next year. Delaware was among 14 states chosen to receive this funding, in line with the administration’s commitment to allocating 40% of federal climate, clean energy, and sustainable housing investments to disadvantaged communities disproportionately burdened by pollution.
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Photo credit www.delawarepublic.org
