Press Release
Iowa Utilities Board
November 23, 2005
Rob Hillesland
(515) 281-3551
rob.hillesland@iub.state.ia.us
Iowa Weatherization Challenge
Join the “Iowa Weatherization Challenge” to Help Iowa’s Low-Income Families,
Elderly, and Disabled and Others Needing Assistance to Make Their Homes More
Energy Efficient: Seeking Community Volunteer Organizations
As Iowans prepare to face record-high home heating bills this winter, several
statewide groups have created the Iowa Weatherization Challenge to help them.
Local community organizations across Iowa are being asked to recruit volunteers
and seek donations to help weatherize homes for Iowa’s low-income families,
elderly, and disabled individuals and others needing assistance in their
community.
This effort is part of a statewide initiative spearheaded by Governor Tom
Vilsack.
“Iowans have a giving spirit and are eager to help those in need of assistance,”
said Vilsack. “The Iowa Weatherization Challenge provides civic and social
organizations; neighborhood groups; faith-based groups; school groups and others
the framework for tapping into Iowans’ good will to help others manage their
heating costs this winter.”
Representatives of the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB), the Iowa Utilities
Association, and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources have prepared Iowa
Weatherization Challenge kits for Iowa local community organizations interested
in helping people weatherize their homes. A cross section of statewide groups
has expressed interest in and provided assistance with the organization of the
Iowa Weatherization Challenge.
The first community to act was Moville where the city council voted to provide
funding to support a volunteer effort spearheaded by local city councilman,
Larry DeBuse. Moville’s weatherization project is scheduled for the weekend of
December 3, 2005. At least two other communities have inquired and are
already formulating action plans.
“Nearly every Iowan will be impacted by high heating costs this winter, with
repercussions throughout our economy as a larger portion of family and business
income goes to pay heating bills and less goes to local businesses, services,
savings, and debt service, “ according to IUB Chairman John Norris.
The Iowa Bankers Association (IBA) and the Iowa Retail Federation (IRF) are
supporting this statewide effort through their members. The IBA has distributed
information to member banks and developed a statement stuffer that Iowa banks
can send out to customers soliciting support for the program. The IRF has
contacted members in the hardware and building supply sector to provide support
to local groups by helping with volunteer training and materials promotion.
Organizations interested in participating in the Iowa Weatherization Challenge
may obtain an organizing information kit from the IUB Web site,
www.state.ia.us/iub, or call the IUB
toll free at 1-877-565-4451.
The Iowa Weatherization Challenge information kit includes the following
documents needed for conducting an Iowa Weatherization Challenge effort:
- Information for volunteer organizations
- Air sealing guidelines for volunteers
- Volunteer checklist
- Low-cost/no-cost tips for saving energy
- Report card
- Sample news releases
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