Residents respond well to a community action group's tips on energy efficiency

LA GRANGE — Two people left a community assistance meeting at Lovick’s Chapel last week with forecasts of fatter wallets and feel-good lifestyles. More are likely to join.

The meeting’s topic was a program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy — Weatherization Assistance Program — that enables low-income families to permanently reduce their energy bills by making their homes more capable of trapping in heat and air.

The presenter at the AME Zion Church affiliate on N.C. 903 South was WAGES Community Action Agency, the executors of the national outreach for Greene, Lenoir and Wayne counties.

 “All of the 30 people who attended the meeting signed up,” said Judy Pareti, a WAGES weatherization assistant who helped weatherization manager Mark Smith Thursday with explaining the ins and outs of the program. “Two from Greene and Lenoir counties already applied and they have brought others to participate.”

At the meeting, Pareti and Smith highlighted how the program works, its funding and ways to get involved.

“The presentation was very interactive,” Pareti said. “Sometimes people are just bored by technical information, but we had a lot of questions, back and forth.”

The program works by energy auditors visiting homes to evaluate carpentry, plumbing and electrical repairs needed to make the home more energy efficient.

After assessments are completed, a work order is scheduled to meet the necessary demands.

These can range from major improvements — fixing or replacing water heaters, refrigerators, HVAC systems, thermostats, insulation or air ducts — to simple changes like installing new air filters, compact fluorescent bulbs and smoke alarms.

Pareti said it takes between three and six months to improve a home, depending on what is needed.

Those receiving assistance through TANS, WorkFirst or FSI automatically qualify; otherwise, it is income-based, specifically through percent of poverty threshold determined by household occupancy.

Pareti, who expected a turnout of 50 or more, expects more people from the area to inquire as ministers from three different churches took information to distribute to their congregations.

With an increase in funding given to the program from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, Pareti encourages all those interested to apply.

WAGES has increased its caseload from 130 jobs per year to 400 this year.

Wesley Brown can be reached at 252-559-1075 or wbrown@freedomenc.com.