Montana Governor Allocates $1 Million for Weatherization

Governor Brian Schweitzer on July 21 signed an executive order declaring an energy emergency and allocating approximately $1 million in state funds to be used for weatherizing more homes in Montana.

The money will be split evenly between the state’s Weatherization Assistance Program grantee, the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS), and the Governor’s Warm Hearts Warm Homes Initiative, which combines public and private funds, donations and volunteer labor to provide low-cost weatherization. The DPHHS estimated approximately 2,480 dwellings will receive low/no cost weatherization measures through the latter program and about 169 high energy burden homes will receive full scale weatherization through the weatherization network.

In his order the Governor expressed special concern about high energy prices saying “ in recent months, energy rates have reached record high levels and are predicted by major suppliers to increase by 54 percent or more during the winter months.”

He also said that Canadian natural gas formerly destined for Montana is expected to be diverted for use in Canada, and the purchasing power of the U.S. dollar has fallen by over 20 percent  relative to the Canadian dollar. The problem is exacerbated, he said, by speculation in oil and gas markets.

When an energy emergency is declared by the Governor and emergency expenditures are justified, the Governor may authorize expenditures from Montana’s general fund.

Montana’s Public Service Commission has also weighed in saying Montanans need to prepare now for anticipated record-high heating bills this winter.

Source: Governor’s Office

Page Last Updated: July 23, 2008