The U.S. Dept. Of Energy has contributed $600,000 to Southern New Hampshire Services project to weatherize 100 homes in Exeter’s four MHC Co-ops. The Regional Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Fund through the N.H. Public Utilities Commission is donating $2 million for the program to expand to 425 homes in 20 resident-owned communities across the state by the end of the year. SeaCoastonline tells MHProNews.com Rick Minard of the state’s Community Loan Fund says the cost to weatherize each home is $6,500 but it reduces energy consumption by about 25 percent. The energy auditors who do the work also check for gas and carbon monoxide leaks. The materials and service are free, but applicants must qualify for fuel assistance in order to be eligible for MH weatherization.

(Photo credit: SeaCoastonline—Energy auditor Ken Cantara winterizing MH.