Sussex County Habitat for Humanity Check Presentation: Kassandra Rodriguez, Empowerment Program Grant Administrator; Haly Laasme-McQuilkin, LIHEAP; Jim Purcell, Empowerment Program Director of Funds and Programs; Kevin Gilmore, SCHFH Chief Executive Officer; Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, Program Recipients; Tim Bailey, SCHFH; Angie Bivens, Franklin Energy; Heather Barony, SCHFH Chief Operating Officer; Katie Millard, SCHFH Director of Development; Michael D’Ovidio SCHFH Neighborhood Revitalization Manager

Delmarva Power Merger Funds-Empowerment Grant expands successful Insulated Skirting Program for Manufactured homes in Sussex and Kent County

Dover, DE— The Empowerment Grant Program (EGP) that Energize Delaware proudly developed, administered, has now awarded $4 million in energy efficiency grants for underserved communities in all three counties.  One of the largest grants supports a manufactured housing insulated skirting program operated by Sussex County Habitat for Humanity. These grant funds of the Empowerment Grant were made possible by the merger between Exelon Power and Delmarva Power in Delaware, and authorized by the Delaware Public Service Commission.  For more information about the Empower Grant program with Delmarva Power, and what has been funded, please visit us at www.empowergrantde.org.

“We learned a lot over the past two years about uncertainty and how fragile our community can be during crisis moments,” said Jim Purcell, Empowerment Grant Manager. “The Empowerment Grant provided relief and provided hope to many looking to save on energy costs, while at the same time reducing the carbon footprint in our communities.”

The Empowerment grant proudly funded Sussex County Habitat for Humanity $100,000 in 2020 to pilot an insulated skirting program for manufactured homes in Sussex County. The program had such success the Empowerment grant in 2021 renewed the grant investing an additional $650,000 into the program over the next two years. These additional funds provide an opportunity to scale the program up to include residents in Kent County as well. Both Habitat chapters will identify 80 homes for this critical upgrade to the energy efficiency of these homes.

“This is the largest single grant in our history, and we are thrilled to be able to help so many households improve their living conditions and reduce their utility costs”, says Kevin Gilmore, CEO of Sussex County Habitat.

In addition to helping decrease energy costs by 25%, insulated skirting can prevent costly damage involving water piper, rotting floor boards and protect the under carriage of these manufactures from other hazards.

Those interested in applying to the Insulated Skirting Program can contact Sussex County Habitat for Humanity at 302-855-1153.  The expansion in 2023 to include Kent County will be implemented in partnership with Central Delaware Habitat for Humanity. Only customers of Delmarva Power are eligible for this program.

For more information about the Empowerment Grant Program funded through the Energy Equity Fund and new grants available, please contact Jim Purcell, Director of Programs and Funds or visit our website at www.energyequityfund.org

About Energize Delaware

Energize Delaware is a unique non-profit that helps Delawareans save money through clean energy and energy efficiency. Our myriad of programs provide energy education and financial incentives to Delaware homeowners, businesses, non-profits, state agencies, farms, houses of worship, local government and schools. Find a program to fit your needs at www.EnergizeDelaware.com.

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