There have been rumors of a new stimulus program being announced, and thankfully they’re now coming true. Much like the Cash for Clunkers bill that allowed Americans to trade in gas-guzzling vehicles for more fuel efficient ones, the new Cash for Caulkers program, as it has been dubbed, could make each home eligible for up to $12,000 in rebate money for improving efficiencies. The same bill will also provide funding for businesses working in the renewable energy and efficiency sectors.

 

With the total program expected to be in the range of about $10 billion, it would provide funds for homes that replace old heating and cooling systems, appliances, and insulation with new, more efficient options. Though the percentage that would be rebated has yet to be determined, some are speculating that it could be as much as 50%, allowing people to spend $24,000 in upgrades and then receive half of it back.

This is an excellent idea, not only because it can go a long way to reducing our dependency on fossil fuels, but also because it has the potential to significantly lower residential utility bills for those who participate in the program. Some estimate that the improvements could reduce home energy consumption by as much as 20%. Find out more at Yahoo Finance.

And on the subject of fossil fuels and energy efficiency, don’t forget to take action in support of strong climate action at this week’s Copenhagen talks. Be part of the green noise (COP15 was the biggest topic on Google today).