Stimulus weatherization aid favors cold regions

A huge boost in federal funds to help low-income families weatherize their homes provides more than $3 on average in the coldest states for every $1 given to warm-weather states, an analysis of the aid program shows

President Obama’s economic stimulus plan provides $5 billion for weatherization, more than 20 times the normal yearly budget. The 33-year-old program began as a way to conserve heating fuel. It still favors northern climates, despite efforts to provide more money for southern states in recent years.

Consider Florida and Minnesota. Their energy costs and consumption per resident are about the same. Minnesota gets $110.40 for each eligible person, compared with just $31.50 for Florida.

“We’re not trying to say that southern states shouldn’t receive this type of assistance,” says John Schadl, communications director for Rep. James Oberstar, D-Minn. “But when it’s 20 or 30 below and your heat goes out, you die.”

The Department of Energy favors more funds for cold climates because the nation’s consumers spend 14% more on heating than on cooling.

USA Today