Some low-income and elderly Alabama residents who need help reducing their utility bills will get assistance from the state, thanks to nearly $1 million in grants.

The grants are supporting Alabama’s Weatherization Assistance Program, which provides funds to improve the energy efficiency and safety of qualifying homes. Priority is given to those with disabilities, the elderly and low-income households with children.

“Energy bills can be difficult for Alabamians with limited income and resources,” Gov. Robert Bentley said.

“By making improvements to the energy efficiency of homes, this program helps lower utility bills for our residents who are most in need. I am pleased to award these grants to agencies that will help our citizens.”

To identify the most cost-effective measures for each home, an energy audit is performed. Depending on the results, a home weatherization project may include adding extra insulation to the attic, walls and floors; sealing leaks in ductwork; repairing and tuning heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems; and replacing incandescent lights with highly efficient compact fluorescent bulbs.

The funding was provided to the state by the U.S. Department of Energy.

In Alabama, ADECA is distributing the money to 16 regional agencies that provide local management for the weatherization program.

Applications for weatherization services should be made to those agencies.

Butler County is served by Organized Community Action Program Inc., which received $102,793 for Barbour, Bullock, Butler, Coffee, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, Geneva, Henry, Houston, Lowndes and Pike counties.

OCAP can be reached at (334) 382-2351.