Safety Experts Push Funding Increase to Alaska Housing Energy Rebate Program Funding

One safety expert says that as heating systems age, she says they are more likely to emit carbon monoxide.

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By Natalie Travis

Story Created: Mar 28, 2011 at 11:00 AM AKDT

Story Updated: Mar 28, 2011 at 11:00 AM AKDT

Safety officials are asking lawmakers to consider adding more funding to The Alaska Housing Energy Rebate Program, which helps residents make sure their homes are energy efficient.


Lawmakers heard testimony at a constituent meeting on Saturday.
 
One safety expert insists Alaska should add more funding to The Alaska Housing Energy Rebate Program. As heating systems age, she says they are more likely to emit carbon monoxide.
 
“There have been several people in the state of Alaska who have died from carbon monoxide poisoning,” said Terah Lowe for Horizons, LLC.
 
The Alaska Housing Energy Rebate Program is not based on income and is available to all residents.
 
“What it does is it assists people in making their homes safer,” Lowe said. “Making their homes more energy efficient and not producing so much stress on the natural resources that we have in the state of Alaska.”
 
Current funding for the program sits at about $150 million.
 
State Senator Bill Wielechowski (D-Anchorage) says the State of Alaska will pick up $10,000 of the cost, providing residents increase the energy ratings of their home.
 
“In other words, if you have a two-star house, they will come and audit your house. If you increase it to a four-star house, then you get a certain amount of money for the costs,” said Sen. Wielechowski.
 
Even as the budget battle continues down in Juneau, lawmakers say weatherized and retrofitted homes can save Alaskans about $5,800 per year.   

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