Weatherization and energy efficiency in Utah will get a big bump under President Barack Obama's stimulus package.

The state will receive more than $73 million -- nearly $38 million for the Weatherization Assistance Program and $35 million-plus for the State Energy Program, the White House announced Thursday.

The weatherization program will allow an average investment of up to $6,500 per home in energy-efficiency upgrades and will be available for families making up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level -- about $44,000 a year for a family of four.

The State Energy Program funding will be available for rebates to consumers for home-energy audits or other energy-saving improvements; development of renewable-energy projects for clean electricity generation and alternative fuels; promotion of Energy Star products; efficiency upgrades for state and local government buildings; and other state efforts to help save families money on their energy bills.

Patty Henetz