ROCKFORD – April 23, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn today announced that Illinois will receive an $242 million in additional funding for the Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).

“Energy costs continue to rise and Illinois families are feeling the crunch,” said Governor Quinn. “The increased funding for the Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program allows us to help even more low-income families keep their energy costs down – it’s a win-win for our families and our environment.”

The Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program (IHWAP) reduces heating and cooling costs for low income families by improving the energy efficiency of their homes. Measures may include: weather-stripping and caulking; insulating attics and walls; furnace work; repairing windows and doors; and replacing windows, if needed. A statewide average of $3,964 per home is spent for weatherization.

Low income residents at 150 percent or below the federal poverty guidelines are eligible for the program. In addition, legislation is pending to change the eligibility level to low income residents at 200 percent or below the federal poverty guidelines. Priority is given to households with high heating bills in relation to income, and households containing elderly members, persons with a disability or young children. People interested applying to have their home weatherized can visit www.weatherizationillinois.com or call 877-411-9276 for more information.

Energy assistance applications are processed through a network of 35 community action agencies around the state. In Rockford, the weatherization program is operated by the City of Rockford’s Human Services Department. During the current 2009 program, the City of Rockford will weatherize about 200 homes in Boone and Winnebago counties. With the additional Recovery funds, they will weatherize about 750 homes next year and 900 homes in the 2011 program year.