Rethink Energy: No-Cost Weatherization For Income and Age Qualifying Home Energy Improvements

This regularly-scheduled sponsored column is written by the Arlington Initiative to Rethink Energy team (AIRE). This county program helps you make smart energy decisions that save you money and leaves a lighter footprint on the environment.

High utility bills disproportionately impact those with lower incomes.

On average, low-income households pay 7.2 percent of their income on utilities — more than three times the amount that higher income households pay (2.3 percent).

Families struggling to pay energy bills may sacrifice nutrition, medicine and other necessities, which compound the effects of inequality. Energy efficiency can make a noticeable difference.

The Income and Age-Qualifying Home Improvement program provides in-home energy assessments and installation of select energy-saving products. Single-family homes and multi-family homes (apartments or condos) all qualify.

To help save on energy costs, qualifying Dominion Energy customers can receive a free energy assessment and free energy-saving measures that may include:

• ENERGY STAR qualified LED light bulbs
• Efficient, low-flow showerheads
• Efficient, low-flow faucet aerators
• Pipe wrap insulation for hot water pipes
• Attic insulation and air sealing

Eligible applicants must meet ONE of the following criteria:

• Household income is less than 60% of the state median income
• Household income is less than 120% of the state median income for residents over 60 years of age

These retrofits can make a big difference to some families, so please share this information.