WASHINGTON, DC – The United States Department of Energy (DOE) today announced that it will co-sponsor free, two-day home rebuilding workshops that will offer hurricane-affected residents with expert advice on using the latest energy efficiency products and techniques as they seek to rebuild their homes and communities.

 

The first of three workshops in the region is scheduled for January 21 and 22 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Pontchartrain Center in Kenner, La., in Jefferson Parish.  Workshops will also be offered in Alabama and Mississippi later in January and in February.    

 

“These workshops will raise awareness of how best to use the latest energy efficient products and techniques as homeowners rebuild in the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita,” said Douglas L. Faulkner, Acting Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.  “In the long run, the techniques and products demonstrated during the workshop will help re-establish stronger, more energy-efficient communities.”

 

Workshop attendees will receive hands-on instructions for improving home energy efficiency and durability when repairing storm-damaged roofs, ceilings, walls and floors, and when installing windows, doors and hurricane shutters.  In effort to help homeowners make use of their training right away, the first 1000 people who attend the workshops will receive a mystery gift card worth $5-$1000 from Home Depot.  The Home Depot will also donate discount coupons worth ten percent off customers’ purchases. 

 

DOE has partnered with Entergy New Orleans, The Home Depot, and the Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing (PATH) to host these workshops.  Workshops will run from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on the following days: