— By Alice Gaston, Program Assistant, Energy Services, NASCSP —

Nominated by NASCSP, the Corporation for Ohio Appalachian Development (COAD) won the Alliance to Save Energy’s (ASE) Andromeda Award for weatherizing the entire city of Murray City, Ohio. COAD accepted the award last week at  ASE’s annual Evening with the Stars of Energy Efficiency Awards Dinner.

COAD is a private, non-profit, community-based organization serving rural, mostly Appalachian, counties in eastern and southern Ohio. It is comprised of 17 Community Action Agencies that serve a 30 county area.

COAD is the only weatherization agency that has ever tackled an entire town. The agency chose Murray City because of its relatively small size—472 homes—and its economic distress in these tough times. A variety of funding sources paid for the project, including federal stimulus dollars and local utility companies through various programs for low‐ and moderate‐income households. Its innovative “block by block” approach and streamlined weatherization services is a model for agencies across the country.

NASCSP Executive Director Timothy Warfield presented the award to COAD Executive Director Ron Rees, saying, “Murray City’s story is a work still very much in progress. It’s a story that begins with weatherization, but will address the local economy and every aspect of quality of life for its residents before it’s finished. It’s a shining example of the transforming impact of weatherization, with an entire community benefitting economically and socially.”

Congratulations COAD – your work is truly an inspiration to those around the country.