Energize Delaware grants $650,000 to Sussex Habitat

The Empowerment Grant Program, developed and administered by Energize Delaware, has now awarded $4 million in energy efficiency grants for underserved communities in all three counties.

One of the largest grants, in the amount of $650,000, supports a manufactured housing insulated skirting program operated by Sussex County Habitat for Humanity. These funds from the Empowerment Grant were made possible by the merger between Exelon Power and Delmarva Power in Delaware, and authorized by the Delaware Public Service Commission. To learn more about the Empower Grant program with Delmarva Power and what has been funded, go to empowergrantde.org.

“We learned a lot over the past two years about uncertainty and how fragile our community can be during crisis moments,” said Jim Purcell, Empowerment Grant manager. “The Empowerment Grant provided relief and provided hope to many looking to save on energy costs, while at the same time reducing the carbon footprint in our communities.”

To pilot an insulated skirting program for manufactured homes in Sussex County in 2020, an Empowerment Grant of $100,000 was given to Sussex County Habitat For Humanity. The program was so successful that an Empowerment Grant in 2021 renewed the investment with an additional $650,000 in funds over the next two years. These extra funds provide an opportunity to scale the program up to include residents in Kent County as well. Both Habitat chapters will identify 80 homes for this critical upgrade to their energy efficiency.

“This is the largest single grant in our history, and we are thrilled to be able to help so many households improve their living conditions and reduce their utility costs,” said Kevin Gilmore, Sussex Habitat CEO.

In addition to helping decrease energy costs by 25%, insulated skirting can prevent costly damage involving water pipes and rotting floor boards, and protect the undercarriage of these manufactured homes from other hazards.

Those interested in applying for the Insulated Skirting Program can contact Sussex County Habitat for Humanity at 302-855-1153.

The expansion in 2023 to include Kent County will be implemented in partnership with Central Delaware Habitat for Humanity. Only Delmarva Power customers are eligible for this program.