Fort Bend CORPS offers energy efficiency program

As summer temperatures rise, everyone's thinking of ways to stay cool - especially cost-effective ways to chill out.

And Fort Bend CORPS (Community Revitalization Projects) offers just that - an energy efficiency program for disabled, low-income and elderly homeowners in Fort Bend County.

Those who qualify will receive home restoration including installation of solar screen, attic/wall insulation and compact fluorescent lamps.

The program has been around for a short time, said Sam Byrd, Fort Bend CORPS spokesman, but with the summer heat the way it is, now is the time to remind people to take advantage of it.

And because of a grant from CenterPoint Energy's Agency in Action program, Fort Bend CORPS can absorb the costs for newer home equipment and installation year-round - meaning qualifying homeowners don't have to pay for any of these services.

The motivation behind the Fort Bend CORPS is to renovate the homes of those homeowners who financially or physically can't make the repairs themselves and to ensure county residents are living in safe and comfortable conditions.

In addition, qualifying homeowners can have their homes installed with Energy Star-rated room air conditioners, ceiling fans and refrigerators, and their air ducts and air filtrations will be inspected and repaired if necessary.

Fort Bend CORPS also offers four other renovations programs: Hearts & Hammers, Roofs Over Fort Bend, interior repair and neighborhood cleanup programs.

For more information or to determine eligibility, call 281-313-2677, e-mail fbcorps@fortbendcounty.org or visit www.fbcorps.org.

AT A GLANCE:

Disabled, low-income and elderly Fort Bend County homeowners may be eligible for a free energy efficiency program.

For more information or to determine eligibility, call 281-313-2677, e-mail fbcorps@fortbendcounty.org or visit www.fbcorps.org.