Updated: 9/20/2009 10:46:03 PM
More than 10,000 low-income homes could receive energy-saving upgrades in Tennessee by 2010 from a state weatherization program primed with federal economic stimulus dollars.
That's as many houses as in all of Morristown or Cookeville.
The Department of Energy last week announced that Tennessee had been awarded $39.6 million towards a potential $99 million in home weatherization money under the stimulus package.
Already, 250 energy auditors have been licensed, 350 building contractors have been certified and work orders for 1,015 homes have been signed or sent out for bids.
Upgrades can range from caulking windows to installing new heating systems -- up to $6,500 per house.
The Tennessee Department of Human Services and 18 regional agencies are administering the program.
