LANSING -- Governor Jennifer Granholm today declared October 30th Weatherization Day in Michigan, bringing the federal government, local community agencies and the state together once again to help low-income residents stay warm this winter.

"We want to let families who are struggling with high energy bills know about a variety of heating assistance programs available to them," said Granholm. "Weatherization services will help them stay warm while reducing energy consumption and their utility bills."

The Family Independence Agency administers federal funds that reduce the energy burden on low-income families by installing cost-effective measures that increase a home's energy efficiency.

"Although rising energy bills are a concern for all families in our state, low-income families are the hardest hit," said Family Independence Agency director Marianne Udow. "Low-income households can pay from 20 to 30 percent of their income for energy. That's why they need to know help is available to them."

Since the inception of Michigan's Weatherization Assistance Program in 1977, almost 249,000 homes have been made more energy efficient. Local technicians use computerized energy audits and advanced diagnostics to determine the most cost-effective measures for each home and assess related health and safety conditions.

These households save an average of more than $300 on their annual heating bills after the weatherization work is completed. Typical weatherization services include installing insulation, sealing and balancing ducts; cleaning and repairing heating systems; and minimizing heat loss through windows, doors and other infiltration points. The weatherization program checks furnaces and appliances to ensure families are not exposed to toxic levels of carbon monoxide. Customers are also educated on basic energy conservation activities.

A network of 33 local agencies – primarily community action agencies – deliver weatherization services to more than 3,000 low-income households each year. Services typically average about $2,000 per household and are available in every county statewide.

"As a result of higher natural gas prices this winter, weatherization will be a more critical issue than in the past," said Michigan Public Service Commission Chair J. Peter Lark. "I encourage Michigan residents to explore ways in which weatherization could help reduce their utility bills."