In the 3 years since federal stimulus funding went to Ohio to expand the weatherization assistance program, more than 40,000 low-income homes have been protected -- 15% more than originally projected. Nationally, 500,000 low-income homes have been weatherized. Tom Calhoun with the Corporation for Ohio Appalachian Development:
Calhoun: Ohio's had a very strong weatherization program since the 1980's. And we were one of the few states also to have a training center. So we were more prepared for this than others.
Calhoun says homeowners see a 25% reduction in energy costs through weatherization.
Calhoun: Not only are their homes safer, they're more energy efficient, their fuel bills are lower, and on average we can decrease fuel bills by about $400 a year.
Calhoun says stimulus funds were used to expand training of weatherization workers, creating more than 800 jobs. the state has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy and Congress for leading the country in home weatherization work.
