Record high prices for home heating fuel and utilities are putting a squeeze on family budgets. No other state's residents feel the pain more than Alaskans do. Our high oil prices along with extreme weather, isolated and remote communities, and a lack of infrastructure present a tough challenge.
But Alaska also faces a unique opportunity -- one that results from decisions earlier this year by the Legislature and Gov. Sarah Palin. They approved $200 million for the state's Weatherization Program and $100 million for the Energy Rebate Program. This funding includes regional allocations, so all Alaskans have a fair opportunity to participate.
As more and more people take advantage of these programs, Alaska will be in a position to demonstrate to the rest of the nation how improving the energy efficiency of homes benefits families and communities.
Investing in energy-improvement modifications can shave about 20 percent or greater off monthly fuel bills. We've heard reports from some families who saved more than 50 percent. These are monthly savings, year after year, for 10 to 20 years or more. The overall return on investment is substantial.
Furthermore, making your home more energy efficient improves quality of living by increasing the comfort and safety of family members.
Virtually every Alaskan can take advantage of this opportunity for funding needed energy improvements of their homes.
Two programs are available, both administered by Alaska Housing Finance Corp.
The Weatherization Program is available to families at 100 percent of median income or less. Median income levels are computed by the federal government and vary within the state. You'll find a complete listing by region and family size on AHFC's Web site, www.ahfc.state.ak.us/energy.
If you meet the income limit, contact your region's weatherization service provider -- the list is also available on the Web site. The service provider will verify your eligibility and do the energy improvements. All weatherization services are free.
The second program, the Home Energy Rebate, is restricted to owner-occupied homes. There is no family income limit. The program provides up to $10,000 in rebates to homeowners who make specifically recommended modifications to their homes that improve energy efficiency.
It's relatively easy to participate. The first step is to schedule a certified energy rater to do an "as-is" energy-efficiency rating of your home. Your rating will include a list of improvements to increase your home's energy efficiency. You can do the recommended work yourself or hire a contractor.
Everything you need to know about qualifying for either program, plus the forms you'll need to fill out, are available on the site.
It's a safe bet that your family, like most others, would welcome saving a couple of thousand dollars each year by improving the energy efficiency of your home.
Now, think what would happen if in addition to your family, all your neighbors did the same and used less fuel as a result.
What if the majority of the state's homes did this, too?
Not only would the combined savings total hundreds of millions of dollars, but as a state we would be consuming far less nonrenewable energy resources than we do today.
And if the rest of the nation took note and followed our lead?
Wow!
Dan Fauske is chief executive officer and executive director of Alaska Housing Finance Corp.
By DAN FAUSKE