Kentucky Housing receives $3.2 million under weatherization program

First time Kentucky has been a recipient.

(Story Courtesy of Kentucky)

FRANKFORT, Ky. (KT) – Kentucky is one of 14 states and territories to receive Sustainable Energy Resources for Consumers (SERC) grants from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to weatherize low-income homes, it was announced on Wednesday.

The Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC) was awarded over $3.2 million under the DOE’s Weatherization Assistance Program. 

The KHC is responding to recent natural disasters by enhancing housing resilience through its SERC project. KHC plans to implement two key technologies: Rooftop solar installations, including necessary electrical-upgrades and staff training, and Double-pane windows with a u-value of 0.25. These measures aim to build energy resilience in homes already weatherized and reduce energy costs, addressing the financial burden on low-income households and improving climate resilience. 19 Community Action and similar organizations in Kentucky are subgrantees of the funding.

Funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, these projects help meet the Biden-Harris Administrations vision of creating clean energy access to all Americans. DOE expects the projects to provide targeted benefits to disadvantaged communities through new partnerships with public and private entities that will reduce energy burden low-income families and support great-paying clean energy jobs. 

“As the nation wrestles with extreme weather intensified by climate change, the Biden-Harris Administration is ensuring that Americans in every pocket of the country, regardless of income, have access to the clean energy tools that make their homes more resilient and efficient,” said Energy Secretary Jennifer M. Granholm. “We are infusing new technology and flexibility into the Department’s long-standing Weatherization Assistance Program, investing in more low-income households and creating more clean energy jobs.” 

While this is the third year the SERC program has been in existence, this is the first time Kentucky has been a recipient.

$53.6 million is being awarded nationwide, in this latest round of funding. Other states and territories receiving grants include Delaware, Georgia, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Utah and the U.S. Virgin Islands.