MONTGOMERY— Gov. Kay Ivey on Friday announced more than $1 million to help low-income residents across the state cut utility bills by making energy-efficient upgrades to their homes.

The funding supports the Alabama Weatherization Assistance Program, which gives priority consideration to elderly, disabled and low-income residents with children. Houses that qualify for assistance receive upgrades that improve energy efficiency and safety.

The funding was provided to the state by the U.S. Department of Energy. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is distributing the money to 16 regional agencies that provide local management for the weatherization program. Applications for weatherization services should be made to those agencies.

The Community Action Partnership of Huntsville/Madison and Limestone Counties Inc. will receive $60,653 as part of the grant.

“Making energy-efficient improvements to homes can lead to significantly lower utility bills,” Ivey said. “For a family on a small, fixed income, those savings can have a big impact, freeing up funding for food or medical necessities.”

To identify the most cost-effective measures for each home, an energy audit is performed. Depending on the results, a home weatherization project may include adding extra insulation to the attic, walls and floors; sealing leaks in ductwork; repairing and tuning heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems; and replacing incandescent lights with highly efficient compact fluorescent bulbs.