NEED HOME IMPROVEMENT HELP?

Programs offer assistance, rebates

If you’ve delayed completing energy-efficiency upgrades to your home or repairing storm damage because of cost concerns, worry no more! Pioneer Electric has compiled a quick list of valuable programs, sponsored by the federal government and your co-op, designed to help with the costs of repair or efficiency-boosting projects.

Home Recovery Alabama Program or HRAP

Eligible homeowners affected by Hurricane Sally or Hurricane Zeta may apply for funding to repair, reconstruct or replace their single-family homes damaged by one or both storms.

To apply, either download the Home Recovery Alabama app on your smartphone or visit HomeRecoveryAL.com. You can also submit applications in person at an intake center. Call 251-265-7958 for more information.

Energy Efficiency Loan Program

Looking to make energy-efficiency improvements to your home? Pioneer Electric members can take advantage of a special agreement with Regions Bank to secure a low-interest loan for eligible projects. These include buying and installing a new heat pump or adding energy-efficient windows.

To apply, call Regions Bank at 800-475-2908.

Heat Pump Rebates

Pioneer Electric members looking to transition to an energy-efficient heat pump may receive a rebate of up to $400/ton. The rebate is valid for owners of traditional or manufactured homes.

To apply, visit pioneerelectric.com/energy-efficiency-rebates.

Weatherization Assistance Program

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs helps low-income residents stay comfortable year-round by providing them with reduced-cost services, such as installing insulation and programmable thermostats, air sealing the home and more.

To apply, head to adeca.alabama.gov/weatherization or contact your local community action agency to learn more and submit an application.

If you have questions or need additional assistance, we’re here to help. Contact us at 800-239-3092.

Take us along!

We’ve enjoyed seeing photos from our readers on their travels with Alabama Living! Please send us a photo of you with a copy of the magazine on your travels to: mytravels@alabamaliving. coop. Be sure to include your name, hometown and electric cooperative, and the location of your photo.We’ll draw a winner for the $25 prize each month. Make sure your photo is clear, in focus and not in shadow.

Alabama Living contributors win national awards

Two contributors to Alabama Living were recognized for their outstanding work during the Cooperative Communicators Association’s (CCA) annual awards ceremony in June.

Dennis Auth won a first place award in illustrations for his artwork, “Alabama A to Z,” for the cover of the January 2023 issue. Auth is best known to readers for his illustrations for “Hardy Jackson’s Alabama.”

Writer Emmett Burnett took two awards, a second place in technical writing for “James Webb telescope: the Alabama connection” which appeared in the April 2022 magazine; and a third place for his personality feature, “Eyes on the sky,” on weatherman James Spann in September 2022.

CCA, an organization of 300 professionals who communicate for cooperatives, is the only communications organization dedicated to serving those associated with member-owned businesses.

Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program continues to grow

Learning outdoors skills – such as rock climbing, camp cooking, shooting sports (including gun safety), fishing, hunting, canoeing, archery and many more – can seem intimidating, especially for women who didn’t grow up exposed to such activities.

Becoming an Outdoors-Woman, or BOW, is a three-day workshop designed to acquaint women 18 and older with the outdoors in a fun, non-threatening environment.

This year’s event will be Oct. 6-8, but registration opens on Aug. 1 for first-time participants and Aug. 7 for returning participants. Slots always fill fairly quickly.

For more information, including cost and registration, visit outdooralabama.com and click on “activities,” then scroll down to Becoming an Outdoors-Woman or call 800-245-2740.

Support Alabama eateries during Restaurant Week

Alabama Restaurant Week, Aug. 18-27, is a way for locals and visitors to show their appreciation for the state’s restaurants and their staffs. This culinary event unites Alabama’s diverse range of cuisine during the two-week celebration.

The week is marketed by the Alabama Tourism Department, which also produces the popular “100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama” listings. The department encourages patrons to dine out and support their local restaurants and offers some other ideas to show their support: buying gift cards, purchasing merchandise, asking small, family-owned places how they can help, and leaving good reviews online and on social media.

Learn more at alabama.travel.