Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded more than $6.3 million in grants to help low-income Alabama residents reduce home energy costs through the Weatherization Assistance Program, including funding that will serve Baldwin County.

According to a news release, the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the 13 grants using funds provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The money will support community action agencies and local partners that improve the energy efficiency and safety of homes, with priority given to households that include older adults, people with disabilities and families with children.

For Baldwin County, the Community Action Agency of South Alabama received a $413,151 grant to serve residents in Baldwin, Clarke, Conecuh, Escambia, Marengo, Monroe and Wilcox counties.

“High energy costs can be a significant burden on people who are already struggling to make ends meet,” Ivey said in the release. “This assistance allows Alabama families to sustainably lower energy bills while creating a safer and healthier living environment.”

Homes approved for the program receive an energy audit to identify the most cost-effective improvements. Those upgrades can include adding insulation and sealing air leaks around doors and windows to improve efficiency and reduce heating and cooling costs.

“The Weatherization Assistance Program benefits some of the most vulnerable residents in communities throughout the state,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA is pleased to join Gov. Ivey in support of these grants, which will help families reduce the cost of heating and cooling their homes.”

Residents interested in applying should contact the community action agency serving their area to determine eligibility and submit an application. State officials noted that funding announced through the grants may not be immediately available because application periods are established locally by each community agency.

Baldwin County residents can contact the Community Action Agency of South Alabama at (251) 626-2646 or visit www.caaofsa.org for more information.