Some low-income and elderly Alabama residents – including residents of Covington County – who need help reducing their utility bills will get assistance from $950,000 in grants awarded by Gov. Robert Bentley.

The grants are supporting Alabama’s Weatherization Assistance Program which provides funds to improve the energy efficiency and safety of qualifying homes.

Organized Community Action Program Inc. (OCAP), which serves Barbour, Bullock, Butler, Coffee, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, Geneva, Henry, Houston, Lowndes and Pike counties, will receive $102,793.

An energy audit is conducted of each home that qualifies for weatherization assistance to determine the most cost-efficient measures. Common improvements include installing extra insulation in the attic, walls and floor; sealing air leaks around doors and windows; repairs or tune-ups for air conditioning and heating units; and replacing incandescent light bulbs with high-efficiency compact fluorescents. In addition to lowering energy bills, the improvements can reduce the risk of fire and other hazards.

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs administers the program from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Energy.