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COLORADO
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EASING THE PEAKS AND VALLEYS
Low-income households typically spend 14% of
their total annual income on energy, compared
with 3.5% for other households. This burden
becomes even more unmanageable when energy
prices soar or temperatures plunge. Low-
income families often have to cut back on other
necessities to pay their energy bills.
Weatherization measures reduce energy costs
and alleviate the high energy burden for low-
income families. The energy efficiency
measures installed provide a permanent boost
to the household's budget. A recent survey
in Colorado revealed that one out of four
weatherization recipients experienced a 37%
reduction in their heating bills. Nationally, the
average household saves $300 per year on
energy costs after weatherization.
The Governor's Office of Energy Management
and Conservation administers the Weatherization
Program and a network of eight local agencies
delivers energy efficiency services to every
county in the state. Professionally trained crews
use computerized energy audits and advanced
diagnostic equipment, such as the blower door
and digital manometer, to determine the most
cost-effective measures for each home.
NATIONAL WEATHERIZATION PROGRAM
Homes weatherized in 1999 68,000
DOE allocations in 1999 $135 million
Average annual energy cost savings $300
per household
Average space heating savings 25-30%
Energy benefits returned for $2.10
every $1 invested
Jobs supported 7,000
COLORADO
Homes weatherized in 1999 (with DoE $)
DOE funding in 1999
Clients served in 1999
Elderly
People with disabilities
Families with children
1,222
$3.2 million
8,514
13%
14%
24%
Weatherization crews also test heating units and
appliances for carbon monoxide and gas leaks.
Typical weatherization services for single-family
and mobile homes include installing insulation;
sealing ducts; tuning and repairing furnaces
and water heaters; and mitigating heat loss
through windows, doors, and other infiltration
points. Since the program's inception in 1976,
more than 60,000 Colorado homes have
been weatherized.
OFFICE OF BUILDING TECHNOLOGY, STATE AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND RENEWABLE ENERGY " U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
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Taking Weatherization to
New Heights in Colorado
Colorado's spectacular mountain vistas draw visitors from around the world. Navigating the
rugged terrain can pose a serious challenge, particularly in the winter when snow fills mountain
passes. To overcome these obstacles, Colorado employs innovative solutions, such as
building the world's highest suspension bridge and the world's highest auto tunnel. Colorado
also applies this innovative approach when developing energy efficiency solutions. A prime
example is Colorado's partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to deliver the
Weatherization Assistance Program (Weatherization). Weatherization reduces energy costs for
low-income households by increasing the energy efficiency of their homes, while ensuring their
health and safety.
