Frank Lewis

PDT Staff Writer

As the cold weather approaches, CAO of Scioto County’s Housing/Energy Department will join the Department of Energy National Weatherization network in celebrating October 2012 as Weatherization Month and Oct. 30 as Weatherization Day.

Steve Sturgill, CAO Housing/Energy Director, said the CAO Weatherization Assistance Program staff provides permanent solutions to reduce the energy burden on low-income Scioto County families by developing cost effective, energy efficient services and strategies. Sturgill said weatherization technicians of the CAO Housing/Energy department use computerized energy audits and advanced diagnostic technologies such as blower doors to determine the most cost effective measures and assess related health and safety conditions of each home.

“This is not a cookie cutter approach to insulating a home,” Sturgill said. “Each home is properly assessed by certified professionals to insure the home is weatherized rather than simply insulated. The impact of this work will save a low-income Scioto County resident a minimum of $300 dollars a year in their utility costs alone and make their home a much safer environment.”

CAO will be celebrating National Weatherization Day with a live demonstration on Tuesday, Oct. 30 at 11 a.m. at 1622 Highland Avenue, Portsmouth. Sturgill said CAO has weatherized over 700 homes and apartments in Scioto County since June of 2009 under contractual agreements with the Ohio Department of Development, the Corporation for Appalachian Development, American Electric Power (AEP) and Columbia Gas of Ohio.

Sturgill said guidelines for qualifying for the assistance are at 200 percent of the national poverty level.

According to Sturgill, anyone needing more information about the event can contact the Housing/Energy office at 740-354-7541.

Frank Lewis may be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 232, or flewis@heartlandpublications.com