O ctober 30 , 2016 marked the 40-year anniversary of the Department of Energy ( DOE ) years of service in the administration of the Weatherization Assistance Program . The program was first established in 1976 as a response to offset a nationwide energy crisis by providing cost effective , energy efficient home improvements to low income households . It was found that those low income households consisted of elderly , children , those with physical disadvantages and others were hit the hardest by increasing utility cost with 14 percent of their annual income being used to meet their energy usage . The Weatherization Assistance Program aims to lower utility bills and improve comfort while ensuring improved health and safety of homes serviced through the program . Since its implementation , the Urban League of Metropolitan St . Louis , Inc . has positively impacted thousands of households in the City of St . Louis . This is all made possible in part by passionate seasoned staff including administration , home energy auditors , construction crews and contractors , as well as agency partners such as the Department of Energy , Laclede Gas , and Ameren .
An underlying mission of the staff of the Weatherization Department is to thoroughly educate clients on energy conservation measures that clients can then implement into their daily living routines . Clients are educated every step of the way from the intake and application process , during the home energy audit , through infiltration and HVAC work , concluding with post Weatherization and follow up services . The Urban League believes there is a greater return for clients by taking the time to invest in educating clients coupled with the benefits of the Weatherization Assistance Program .
The Urban League Weatherization Program is continuously looking for innovative ways to enrich the program with educational opportunities to engage the community into thinking about energy conservation and a healthier home . Nelson Mandela said , “ Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world .” With that in mind , the weatherization department expanded its vision to find a way to educate children about the importance of energy conservation . From the creative minds of the weatherization staff , Dr . Energy , an energy savings super hero was born . Through the development of a short family friendly animation featuring Dr . Energy , this tool can now be used to aid in educating children on how to help their parents lower the energy being used in their homes .
On October 28 , the Urban League hosted the Weatherization Day Celebration ! The day was filled with lots of activities including a contractors and crew meeting which included a guest presenter providing information on how to grow a small business , the reading of the Governors Weatherization Day Proclamation , face painting and coloring for children , energy savings tips and so much more .
The event provided an opportunity to hear client testimonials . Lisa Ross shared , “ The weatherization staff was great . They were courteous throughout the entire process . I noticed a huge savings in my energy bill from over $ 300 a month to $ 120 .” Erica Reed also gave a testimony as a client who is currently going through the weatherization process . Ms . Reed shared that with only the infiltration work completed on her home , which included insulation and air sealing , she has experienced a tremendous savings on her utility bill already . Ms . Reed has been so impressed with the process that she ’ s now an advocate for Weatherization services . She ’ s passed out applications to her neighbors and friends because she desires for them to experience what she ’ s experiencing in the program . This is a great testament to services that are provided by the Urban League ’ s Weatherization Program . Clients attending the event who were previously weatherized had an opportunity to go through a Post Weatherization Workshop . Additional training was provided on how to properly operate programmable thermostats , how to maintain HVAC equipment including live demonstrations on changing and cleaning filters as well as learning other energy savings tips for everyday living . Those tips included the best ways and time to operate appliances and understanding your home energy profile .
A host of St . Louis City landlords CONTINUED >
By : Kesha Chatman , Weatherization Director