U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen

BERLIN – U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a lead negotiator of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, visited a multi-unit public housing development undergoing weatherization installations to improve energy efficiency and lower monthly costs. During a tour of the complex, Shaheen discussed the benefits of weatherization with residents, as well as participants in the Tri-County Community Action Program’s Registered Apprenticeship for weatherization installers, which is the first of its kind in New Hampshire. As a lead negotiator of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Shaheen helped secure $3.5 billion for weatherization assistance nationwide, including more than $18 million for New Hampshire. You can find photos from the event here.

“Weatherizing homes is one of the best things we can do to reduce monthly energy costs, all while making progress toward our climate goals and keeping Granite Staters safe from extreme temperatures,” said Senator Shaheen. “I’m proud to have secured funding for New Hampshire’s weatherization efforts through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that is supporting this new apprenticeship program to expand the weatherization workforce. I’ll keep working in Congress to find ways to upgrade our infrastructure while saving money for Granite State households.”

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) funding helps homes become more energy efficient through measures like installing insulation, updating heating and cooling systems and updating electrical appliances. For every dollar invested by WAP, $4.50 is generated in combined energy savings and non-energy benefits such as improved health and job creation, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. In addition to saving families money, energy efficient homes also help cut down on our carbon footprint, reducing the greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change. If you think you may be eligible for WAP funding, apply through your local Community Action Agency at CAPNH.org and check out Senator Shaheen’s recently updated Federal Energy Guide for more ways Granite Staters can save money on their utility bills.

As a lead negotiator of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Shaheen helped secure $3.5 billion in additional funding for the Weatherization Assistance Program, including $18 million for New Hampshire. Shaheen has long-championed the Weatherization Assistance Program to lower energy costs for low-income families in New Hampshire, as well as the State Energy Program, which assists states with the development of energy efficiency renewable projects. Last year, Shaheen helped introduce the Weatherization Assistance Program Improvements Act, a bipartisan bill that would strengthen the Weatherization Assistance Program and increase the number of homes the program is able to serve. Shaheen also introduced the bipartisan Investing in State Energy Act, legislation to ensure that annual funding for weatherization and the State Energy Program is released to states as quickly as possible.

In response to a shortage of weatherization installers in New Hampshire, Tri-County Community Action Program (TCCAP) launched an apprenticeship program to train new workers in the field. TCCAP’s program is supported by Training and Technical Assistance funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and is the first program of its kind in New Hampshire.