In Rensselaer County, CEO’s Weatherization team helps eligible households improve energy efficiency, comfort and safety, continuing a national program’s work as it marks 50 years in 2026.
This October marks a major milestone for the Weatherization Assistance Program, which has helped households across the country make their homes more energy efficient, comfortable and safe. National Weatherization Day is observed on October 30.
Established in 1976, the federally funded Weatherization Assistance Program helps income-eligible households reduce energy costs through home improvements that also address health and safety concerns. In Rensselaer County, that work happens through the Commission on Economic Opportunity (CEO).
CEO’s Weatherization team in Rensselaer County
Led by Building Energy Services Director Don Keefe, CEO’s Weatherization team brings together program coordination, energy auditing and experienced field crews. Together, they work with households from the initial assessment through completed weatherization improvements.
“Weatherization is about much more than making a home use less energy,” Keefe said. “It’s about helping families feel more comfortable in their homes, lowering the burden of energy costs and making sure the work we do has a lasting impact. Our team takes a lot of pride in being able to provide that service to families in our community.”
CEO’s Weatherization team includes Weatherization Director Eric Case, Program Assistant Kathleen Culliton, Energy Auditor Mark DeChiro, Crew Chiefs Anasha Cummings and David Hughes, and Energy Auditor Todd Bariteau.
A whole-house approach to energy improvements
Each team member plays a different role in the process. An energy audit helps determine how a home is using and losing energy and identifies improvements that may make the greatest difference. Weatherization crews then complete approved measures based on the needs of the individual home.
The program takes a whole-house approach, looking at how the building and its systems work together rather than focusing on a single repair. The work can look different from one home to another, but the goal remains the same: improve energy efficiency, help reduce household energy costs and make homes more comfortable.
For CEO’s team, the impact is seen one household at a time.
“We get to see firsthand what these improvements can mean for a family,” Keefe said. “There’s a real sense of purpose in this work. Everyone on the team contributes something different, and together we’re helping people make their homes work better for them.”
50 years of Weatherization Assistance
According to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Weatherization Assistance Program fact sheet, 7.2 million households nationwide have received services since the program began. DOE reports average yearly energy savings of $372 per weatherized household, expressed in 2022 dollars.
Those national figures represent decades of work by weatherization professionals in communities across the country. As the program marks its 50th anniversary, organizations are recognizing the people who have made that work possible and the households that have benefited.
At CEO, the anniversary is an opportunity to recognize the local staff carrying that mission forward. While weatherization tools, technology and methods have evolved over five decades, the central purpose remains consistent: helping households use less energy, reduce costs and improve the comfort and safety of the place they call home.
Learn more
CEO provides Weatherization services to eligible households in Rensselaer County. Residents interested in services, eligibility or how to apply can visit CEO’s Weatherization Assistance page or call (518) 272-6012.
