Passaic County to Help Make Residents' Homes More Energy Efficient

Passiac County is attempted to help low-income families through new energy assistance programs.

The county will provide assistance to residents using a variety of programs thanks to a series of federal grants recently awarded that will expand the scope of the county’s Division of Weatherization and Home Energy (WHE).

“These grant funds come with an important responsibility to reach as many resients eligible for assistance as possible,” said Sam Yodice, director of the county Division of Weatherization and Home Energy. “We will be reaching out into the community to help spread the word about all the services being offiered.”

The Home Energy Assistance Program helps residents pay for their heating and cooling bills. The free program even covers residents whose heat is included in their rent payments.

Residents may also be eligible to receive assistance from the Universal Service Fund. The fund, which is administered by the state Board of Public Utilities, helps eligible residents pay for their electric and gas costs.

The Weatherization Assistance Program will help homeowners and renters modify their homes to optimize energy efficiency. An energy audit will be performed on eligible homes. New energy-efficient refrigerators, hot water heaters, and pipes could be installed in qualifying residents’ homes.