A $1 million contribution from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce (ODOC) will help Cookson Hills Community Action Agency expand efforts to reduce energy costs of low-income families in its service area, Helen James, Cookson Hills Community Action Foundation executive director, said Tuesday.

James said the Oklahoma Energy Resources Board (OERB) recently announced the contribution to the ODOC Weatherization Assistance Program.

Through the program, energy efficiency services are performed free for qualifying, low-income households, James said.

"These services include weather stripping doors, installing proper insulation, and other measures that help save energy and money," James said. "An energy audit determines what work needs to be performed."

James said ODOC will distribute the additional money to 19 community action agencies that serve all 77 counties in Oklahoma. The additional funding will supplement about $3.2 million in federal funds now allocated for the energy-saving program.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, home-heating bills will increase an average of 25 percent this season. Weatherization is projected to save low-income homeowners up to 30 percent on their home heating bills.

James said weatherization is a long-term solution for Oklahomans in need because the energy efficiencies last for the life of a home.

"Weatherization is only one of a variety of locally-determined program offered by community action agencies to help low-income residents move toward self-sufficiency," James said.

For more information on the weatherization program contact the Cookson Hills Community Action Foundation at (918) 456-0571. The office is based in Tahlequah.

James said the contribution is part of the new OERB Conservation Education Program, which also includes television spots and a section on OERB.com highlighting simple, inexpensive things all Oklahomans can do to save energy and money.