Weatherization
Definition
Home improvements that reduce energy consumption and costs by sealing air leaks, adding insulation, upgrading windows, and improving heating/cooling efficiency. Weatherization can reduce home energy costs 30-50% while improving comfort and health. Federal, state, and utility weatherization programs serve low-income households, but waiting lists are long and funding serves only a fraction of eligible homes. Weatherization is highly cost-effective: every $1 invested returns $2.50 in energy savings.
Louisville Context
Louisville has several weatherization programs (federal Weatherization Assistance Program, LG&E’s How$mart programs) but serve only a few hundred homes annually despite tens of thousands of eligible households. West Louisville has particularly high need due to older, inefficient housing. Waiting lists for free weatherization can stretch 1-2 years. Meanwhile, low-income households lose money monthly through inefficient homes while having least ability to afford efficiency improvements.
Why It Matters
Weatherization is rare win-win-win: reduces energy costs helping low-income families, reduces utility bills permanently rather than one-time assistance, reduces pollution from energy generation, creates local construction jobs, and improves home comfort and health. Expanding weatherization should be a priority, but programs remain woefully underfunded relative to need.
Dave’s Proposal
Dave will significantly expand Louisville’s weatherization capacity, partnering with nonprofits and contractors to weatherize 1,000 low-income homes annually within his $1.025 billion budget. He’ll ensure weatherization is coordinated with housing code enforcement—bringing homes up to code while improving efficiency. He’ll prioritize West Louisville and other neighborhoods with oldest housing and highest energy burden.