Quotable Quotes

"I believe they saved our life," said a 76 year old client who received a new air-conditioning/heating unit last year and is now feeling the benefits for a second summer in a row (July 13, 2007).

February 21, 2006, Montana Congressman Denny Rehberg stated that "This program [the WAP] is a great example of the government being proactive with regard to energy conservation" in a letter to Jim Nussle calling for increased FY07 funding for the WAP. This was released shortly after a weatherization site visit to a Montana home.

"Without this program, I couldn't have made it" - Recipient of weatherization services in Montana (February 2006)

August 11, 2005, Congressman Wolf, at a site demonstration in Winchester, Virginia, noted that "This is really important for all of us with the price of energy being what it is," Wolf said. "For the poor, heating your house is not something you can decide whether or not to do. It's a necessity, so I'm pleased to see what you're doing." Click here for full text of article.

Washington, D.C. Congressman Richard Burr, in a Congressional press release, July 9, 2003: "With energy costs on the rise, it is not only important that we work to ensure that families in North Carolina can afford to keep their homes at safe living temperatures, "said Congressman Burr. "Increased funding for the Weatherization Assistance Program is a priority for the Bush Administration, and I am pleased that many families in North Carolina will benefit from this increase," added Burr.

U.S. Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham, quoted in the Associated Press, February 11, 2003: "There are lots of energy programs," Abraham said, "but none that do as much good in the day to day lives of families as the weatherization one."

"There is no way I could afford this on my fixed income, my old furnace was built for coal but was converted to gas." "I feel much better now, and my utility costs aren't as high." -- Recipient of weatherization services in Indiana

"They did such a great job." "It is so much warmer and it's not drafty anymore. I couldn't have my son stay with me before because he has diabetes and he would be freezing, but now he can." -- Recipient of weatherization services in New York

"I tell you, I just love them people." There was no way I could have afforded (home repairs). I couldn't have kept living here. I was getting too bad. I really thought I was going to die. Everyone should be grateful for People Incorporated." -- Recipient of weatherization services in Washington

"They're doing things I'm not able to do because I don't have the money to do them...It means a whole lot to me." -- Recipient of weatherization services in Tennessee

"I think that they (CAPCA workers) made a great improvement in the areas that they fixed for me. They were very polite and made sure to tell me everything that they were doing before they did it." -- Recipient of weatherization services in Arkansas

"I have no doubt they (Alamo Area Council of Governments) have prevented hundreds of South Texans from freezing to death or dying of carbon monoxide poisoning while trying to stay warm unsafely." Rachel Cywinski, recipient of Weatherization services in Texas, December 25, 2002 article

"We were freezing to death. Electricity was running $500 a month, up until we got the weatherization. The difference between last year and this year is just phenomenal." Amber Lathrop, a recipient of Weatherization services in Nevada, saw her electricity bill drop from $500/month to $60/month after the measures were installed. December 24, 2002 article

U.S. Senators Kent Conrad and Byron Dorgan and Representative Earl Pomeroy (all from North Dakota) released a joint statement on June 20, 2002 regarding the state's $2,527,852 Weatherization grant. "These funds will help North Dakotans save energy, stretch the energy they consume, and reduce energy costs. This is very important in a state like ours, where winters can sometimes be pretty tough and staying warm can sometimes mean the difference between life and death."

U.S. Senators (Maine) Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins in a joint press release, March 30, 2002,

New Jersey Governor McGreevey was quoted in a March 22, 2002 news article, "I want to ensure that taxpayers' money is being used most efficiently and effectively. Through the weatherization program we can provide a benefit that will have a long-term heating and economic impact on the homes and wallets of thousands of families."

U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (Iowa) in a news article, March 18, 2002: "The Weatherization Assistance Program emphasizes permanent and more cost-effective measures to help Iowa's needy families. Low-income Iowans who cannot afford to pay their energy bill should not have to choose between food and fuel. The long-term solutions this program provides should help lesson the excessive financial burden of families most in need."

Florida Governor Jeb Bush, Quoted in a press release during a site visit with Secretary Abraham, February 15, 2002: "Better insulation and more efficient air conditioners are home improvement items many of us take for granted. But many of Florida's families find making these money saving improvements unaffordable," said Florida Governor Bush. "This program [Weatherization] makes a real impact on the lives of real people, and helps preserve our state's energy resources. It's a win for the families, a win for the environment and a win for Florida."

"This program [Weatherization] helps small businesses get on their feet and gives them some help in getting working capital so they can pursue larger jobs. It's a golden opportunity for the smaller guys," said Pat Larkins, executive director of the Broward County Minority Builders Coalition, which administers the weatherization grant funds in Broward. February 6, 2002

"Our customers should not have to worry about choosing between food or utilities," Entergy CEO Wayne Leonard said. November 10, 2001 ( Associated Press State and Local Wire)

Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham, at a site visit in Virginia : "This program is a key feature of President Bush's National Energy Policy which recommends increased funding for weatherization assistance over the next 10 years." October 30, 2001

Testimony of Dr. Malcom O'Hagan, President of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, July 13, 2001 : "The Weatherization Assistance Program has been an important element in the nation's effort to assure that the burdens of high energy costs do not fall disproportionately hard on those least able to afford them. Including electricity efficiency retrofits as an element of the Weatherization program would have long term benefits for residents and property owners."

Testimony of James Parkel, President of the American Association of Retired Persons, to the House Energy and Commerce Committee, May 15, 2001 : "More specifically, energy policy should include a commitment to programs such as LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program) and Weatherization. AARP recommends maintenance of the LIHEAP program and a substantial increase in funding... Weatherization is another necessary program that should be part of a national energy policy. Weatherization reduces energy demand problems for low-income families. The funds are like "preventive medicine," ensuring energy-healthy homes. This is an especially important program for the elderly who tend to live in older, less energy-efficient homes, where energy costs can become prohibitive. AARP is encouraged that President Bush has proposed to increase Weatherization funding and we urge the Congress to follow-through on this initiative. AARP has been encouraging its members who are not eligible for the federal program to weatherize as well by providing information through a variety of different sources. Doing so makes the consumer more energy efficient and likely leads to lower utility bills. These are the most critical items to be addressed in dealing with electric utility restructuring, natural gas and home heating oil price spikes and our Nation s energy policy."

Representative Greg Walden (R-OR), excerpt from article in The Hill March 14, 2001 , But more needs to be done as our economy becomes increasingly reliant on energy-hungry high-tech industries. We can do this by continuing to emphasize weatherization projects as part of energy assistance to the elderly and low-income. These projects save consumers and the government money in the long run and reduce demand for energy. We can also add incentives for further conservation through tax credits and other devices at the federal level."

Representative Tom Allen (D-ME) quoted in the Portland Press Herald March 8, 2001 : "As heating oil prices go up, some low-income people really struggle to keep their homes warm," Allen said. "We're not talking about getting better mileage, we're talking about whether people can keep warm and get food."

Testimony by Senator James Jeffords (I-VT), October 3, 2000 : "Weatherization is one of the best investments this nation makes with its tax dollars."

Testimony of Phil Sharp [former Representative from Indiana, and Chairman of Energy and Power Subcommittee] before the House Commerce Committee, Energy and Power Subcommittee, May 24, 2000 : "The pain of price swings and the benefits of the market, of course, are not evenly distributed. That is why supplementary policies such as low-income energy assistance and weatherization are the compassionate courses to pursue, rather than efforts to control the price level."

U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) Comments published in The Hill March 8, 2000, copyright Capitol Hill Publishing Company : "Another example of misplaced congressional priorities has been the reduction in funding for the weatherization program -- one of the most successful programs we have for reducing residential energy costs.

This fiscal year, Congress only appropriated $ 135 million for the program, $ 80 million less than in fiscal year 1995. The weatherization program funds energy audits for low-income residents and helps offset the cost of replacing older, inefficient furnaces with high-efficiency models that will use less energy and save residents money for years.

It is one of the best investments we can make to reduce energy, including heating oil, consumption. I hope the administration's pending request for a supplemental appropriation of $ 19 million will be approved."

Testimony by James J. Hoecker, Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, September 28, 2000 : "Price volatility also highlights the continued importance of energy efficiency initiatives such as the Weatherization Assistance Program and other appropriate aid for low-income customers such as the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, (LIHEAP)."

"Thank you for your help with my house. My old heater was broken and my kids and I had to sleep in the kitchen and use the stove to keep warm. I really did not want to ask for help, but had nowhere else to go. You fixed my door and gave me a new furnace. Your crew put insulation in the ceiling to keep us warmer. God Bless You!" Dana W. Hurst, IL

"You've proven that government organizations can be efficient." -- Recipient of weatherization services in Wisconsin

"Before any work was done, my electric bill for the previous month was $200.33...(After Weatherization) my current bill is only $105.68...I am a mother of three children, one of which is enrolled in your HomeBase Head Start Program. One hundred dollars may not seem like a lot to most, but for me and my family, that is an extra $100 we can use in other areas." -- Recipient of weatherization services in Oklahoma

"I am truly grateful for this program because it has undoubtedly saved my life. I have been feeling sick for each of the past winters. Last winter, I thought it was strange that both of my canaries died at the same time. When your crew came to work on my home and they tested my gas floor furnace for efficiency, there was so much carbon monoxide in the air that it pegged your equipment. No wonder I had been feeling sick every winter. Within days of your work on my furnace, I began to feel much better and have ever since. Again, I owe my life to this program and I will definitely tell others of the program benefits." -- Recipient of weatherization services in Oak Hill, WV

"My family and I would like to thank you all for helping us get a new furnace. I had no idea there was help out there for us. My mind is now at ease - knowing our health was on the line scared me each night before I tried to sleep. The boys' room is now warmer and our headaches have gone away. Thanks for answering my prayers." -- Recipient of weatherization services in Indiana

"They did more than I expected. Before my trailer was weatherized, I often rose in the morning to find the temperature between 30 and 40 degrees F inside. Since weatherization, it never falls below 60 degrees. It has made my life much more pleasant." -- Recipient of weatherization services in Orleans, Vermont

"I felt compelled to write you this letter after the fantastic job your weatherization crew did on my house. They came in and fitted my house with solid wooden doors, which we definitely needed, insulated my attic to retain the heat, and did it all with the professional courtesy many outfits consider outdated. Your weatherization program is a God-send to lower income citizens (such as myself) and I hope that its importance to the community-at-large is stressed in a time when federal budget cuts seem to be affecting programs designed to help people. Once again, thank you and your staff for the fine job." -- Recipient of weatherization services in Helper, Utah

"I am a 23 year old single mother struggling in today's society. When the weatherization worker arrived at my home to begin the process, he checked for carbon monoxide and found (fatal) amounts had been released. My three year old and I have been horribly sick for over a year. If it had not been for this program, I would have surely suffered great consequences living in this home. I would never have been able to check for the poison myself...(this program) saved our lives and for that I am grateful." -- Recipient of weatherization services in Wyoming


A local agency in Ohio weatherized the home of a blind woman. They replaced her furnace, which was located in the basement and regularly would go out, with an 80% efficient model. She says that her propane use has been reduced by 50% and that her home is warmer and safer.

Mr. Wilcox of Wasilla, Alaska, supported his wife and three kids until diagnosed with spinal cancer. With his failing health and strained finances, he was afraid they wouldn't be able to stay in the deteriorating mobile home. The furnace did not work and the family used the oven for heat. The Weatherization agency replaced the broken furnace fan and insulated the home, enabling the family to stay together.

Content updated on 9/12/2007