Old North News

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) State Energy Office is set to conduct a public hearing on April 17 concerning the Weatherization Assistance Program's Annual State Plan. This initiative aims to assist low-income and disadvantaged communities by helping residents of North Carolina save energy, reduce utility bills, and ensure their homes are safe.

The hearing will address not only the Annual State Plan but will also invite public comments on the revised Training & Technical Assistance Plan, Health & Safety Plan, and proposed standards for Weatherization Installation.

The public hearing will take place at 1 p.m. on April 17, 2025, at DEQ Green Square Office Building, Training Room #1210, 217 West Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27603. Those unable to attend in person have the option to join online via Webex.

Members of the public are encouraged to participate either in person or online. Participants attending virtually can do so using the provided Webex link and access code. Phone options are also available for those preferring to dial in.

"The hearing officer may limit the length of comments to accommodate the total number of speakers," the office notes. Comments can also be mailed or emailed, with the deadline for submissions being April 21, 2025.

The plans can be viewed online or at DEQ's regional offices. For those mailing comments, they should be sent to the NC DEQ Weatherization Assistance Program, 1613 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1613. Email comments should use “2025 Weatherization Comment” as the subject line.

The public comment period runs from April 7, 2025, through April 21, 2025. Comments must be postmarked or submitted by the deadline to be included in the hearing record.