In West Rutland, Welch highlights benefits of home energy efficiency improvements

In an effort to highlight the value of investments in energy efficiency, Rep. Peter Welch on Tuesday participated in an energy efficiency audit at a West Rutland home.

The audit is the first step in a coordinated improvement package that helps homeowners in Rutland County make their homes more energy efficient, saves money, and puts local contractors to work. The program is being implemented by NeighborWorks of Western Vermont, which was awarded a $4.5 million grant last year.  The funding was secured by the Vermont congressional delegation through a national energy efficiency program authored by Sen. Bernie Sanders.

"Investments in energy efficiency like this Rutland program result in win-win-win opportunities: Good jobs are created for out-of-work local contractors and for American companies making energy-saving products. Families save money that can be better spent meeting other pressing needs. And the environment is improved by minimizing energy use."

The grant awarded to NeighborWorks will allow the organization to serve up to 40 percent of eligible households in the county - 7,300 customers altogether - with home visits on ways to lower energy costs. NeighborWorks will conduct at least 2,000 comprehensive energy audits and help 1,000 residents complete substantial retrofits. The energy savings projected to be achieved over the first six years alone will total about $8.7 million.

Welch is the leader in the U.S. House of Representatives on energy efficiency. His Home Star Energy Retrofit Act passed the House last year with bipartisan support. The legislation would help three million families retrofit, renovate and insulate their homes, putting 170,000 Americans to work in the process. The Senate failed to take up the bill.  Welch will soon be reintroducing Home Star in the new Congress with bipartisan support.

Watch the video below to find out more about Welch's Home Star legislation