For information on the weatherization program, contact Department of Commerce.

The company also partners with the State of Connecticut to promote energy conservation and weatherization programs to help residential heating customers manage their annual household heating budgets in today's economy.

When not working on solar panels, OCS employees work in the year-round weatherization program focused on households throughout Cleveland.

There is also about $240 million for assistance for low-income customers that will include weatherization programs, cash assistance and discounts.

Mitchell is a former community organizer who has legislative experience with an urban weatherization program and with a universal fare pass for local buses and trains.

"We administered a weatherization program, for example, which trained hard-core unemployed to weatherize homes of senior citizens and low-income people," she explained.

Many provide fuel funds, which are emergency grants for customers about to be cut off, as well as weatherization programs and other services.

The residents were provided with a heater and blankets and further assistance under a weatherization program.

In these states - and many others across the nation - the weatherization program is saving the average household $400 a year on their utility bills.

However, unlike weatherization programs, the gains in household budgets are often not worth the investment.