Published: November 12, 2008 11:52 pm      

Applications being accepted for weatherization program

SOMERSET — As homeowners cope with a sagging economy and expensive prices for home-heating oil and other fuels, more and more are looking at ways to conserve energy and save money.

And that involves making their homes as energy efficient as possible.

Community Action Partnership of Somerset County, also known as Tableland Services, is accepting applications for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

The federal and state program has increased its income-eligibility guidelines while allocating additional funds, Tableland officials said Monday.

Now, a family of four can earn up to $44,443 to receive the assistance.

“We’ve had a lot of individuals coming in and saying they can’t afford their energy costs and their mortgage or rent,” Tableland Executive Director Jeff Masterson said.

“I can’t walk through the lobby without having staff say, ‘I can’t believe how swamped we are.’ ”

The weatherization is free for county residents. After inspecting a home and administering energy efficiency tests, representatives will identify ways to save energy.

It may involve insulating attics and basements, caulking air leaks, furnace tune-ups or insulating hot water heaters and pipes.

The maximum amount residents can receive for the improvements is $2,873, said Lisa Wengerd, Tableland’s community services program manager.

The program, which operates year-round, currently has a waiting list of about 208.

Residents interested in the program can contact Tableland at 445-9628. They will be placed on the waiting list, then contacted and sent an application.

“Right now, they just increased the guidelines,” Wengerd said. “We’re trying to get the word out that we can serve more people.”