US Energy Secretary Visits Del. To Highlight Energy Efficiency, Infrastructure

During a visit to Delaware Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm – recently under fire for laughing off a question about high prices during an interview – took part in an announcement that the U.S. Department of Energy has upgraded one-million homes with energy efficiency improvements through the Home performance with ENERGY STAR program.

Weatherization and energy efficiency investments are included in the recently-passed Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

To see a video of the event,  Watch 

“DOE’s Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® program has helped one million homeowners make energy-savings improvements at an affordable price,” Granholm said. “With the President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal’s historic investments in energy efficiency and weatherization, we will ensure more Americans can benefit from cleaner air, more resilient homes, and lower energy bills.”   

“I always like to say the cleanest form of energy is the energy we save and never have to use. It’s great to welcome Secretary Granholm in Delaware as we celebrate the success of this program in reducing energy costs for consumers,” Senator Tom Carper, D-Del. said. “The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that awaits President Biden’s signature makes historic investments in modernizing our infrastructure, including funding to make our homes more energy-efficient and resilient to climate change. That’s good for people’s wallets and good for the planet.”

“We know that investing in energy efficiency is one of the fastest and most effective ways to reduce carbon emissions and help fight the climate crisis,” Comgresswoman Lisa Blunt rochester, D-Del. added. “That’s why the ENERGY STAR program is such an important tool to help Delawareans weatherize and make their homes more energy efficient. These are the kinds of critical investments that President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal continues to make throughout our country. I was thrilled to welcome Secretary Granholm to the First State for this historic announcement and look forward to continuing to work with the Department of Energy as we Build Back Better.”

Energize Delaware oversaw the energy upgrade at the millionth home to be upgraded through the ENERGY STAR program.

“We’re thrilled to celebrate this national achievement with Secretary Granholm today as we recognize this home and the 9,000 others Energize Delaware has upgraded across the state,” Energize Delaware Executive Director Tony DePrima said. “The $11.6 million in rebates homeowners received made these upgrades affordable, and now they’re reaping the benefits on their energy bills to the tune of $2 million each year.” 

Visit the Building Technologies Office to learn more about DOE’s Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® program.