As cooler temperatures begin to retire summer’s heat, energy costs remain high and will increase in the dead of Florida’s winter. But, a local program can help homeowners keep their monthly energy bills low. The Weatherization Assistance Program at the Lee County Department of Human Services provides free energy related repairs and energy upgrades to eligible, low-income homeowners in Lee County, including residents of Lehigh Acres.

The program hires local contractors to service homes whose entire households are within 200 percent of the poverty guideline. Some of the services provided are weather stripping, caulking and other energy efficiency updates. The focus is on energy conservation and saving low-income residents money on utility costs, with the help of local contractors.

Sue Nagle of North Fort Myers feels so blessed to have received the help of the weatherization assistance program. While very sick and undergoing cancer treatment, she realized she had a leak in her roof. At the time, she worked full time and lived alone.

Her brother told her that she might be eligible for the Weatherization Assistance Program. So she filled out the paperwork and waiting patiently. It turned out to be well worth the time.

“The inspectors came out to my house and recommended a lot of work to make my home more energy efficient,” Nagle said. “They put on a new roof, installed a new air-conditioner and water heater, put all new energy efficient light bulbs and water savers in faucets throughout the house, efficient shower heads, two new skylights, as well as a thermal screen in the front and back of the house.”

Sue Nagle’s energy bill dropped from nearly $150 per month to as low as $70 per month.

“I can’t help but get emotional when I think of how blessed I am. Everyone was so helpful, so professional and very nice, Nagle said. “My overall experience was super plus positive!

Local contractor Kurt Smutney, who with his brother owns SCP Enterprises in Lehigh Acres, believes the Weatherization Assistance Program is good for the families it serves and for the workers he is able to employ as a result.

“Right now, weatherization work is about 50 percent of what our company does but it has been as much as 100 percent of our work,” Smutney said. “With the economic turndown, I’ve had to significantly reduce my workforce. The weatherization work has kept us in business.”

When he and his team work on a home, they frequently do such repairs and upgrades to windows, air conditioning work, and insulation. Water heaters are often older and don’t perform effectively or efficiently.

“I’m glad we’re able to help these local homeowners over half of whom are senior citizens, ” Smutney said.

Residents who are interested in the program should visit or call the Lee County Department of Human Services at 239-533-7930 to request an application. Documents required will include Social Security card, driver’s license, proof of home ownership, current utility bills, proof of disability (if applicable), and proof of income, along with the names and contact information of their employer(s). All information is held in the strictest confidence.

“We are glad to help those eligible for the Weatherization Assistance Program in our community,” said Shawn Tan, Housing Program manager at the Lee County Department of Human Services. “These funds will not last forever, so we encourage anyone who is eligible to contact our office and seek out these free services.”

As a result of the American Recovery Reinvestment Act or Stimulus Act of 2009, the Lee County Department of Human Services has weatherized 185 homes and created or retained 4 construction-related jobs in Lee County.

The Weatherization Assistance Program is helping low-income Floridians all over the state. For more information, contact the Lee County Department of Human Services at 2440 Thompson Street in Fort Myers, or by phone at 239-533-7930. Online, visit www.FloridaCommunityDevelopment.org/WAP.