COSHOCTON — No one is eager to see the cost of energy bills rise, but as they do, organizations all across Ohio are assisting low-income families that are in need of cost-saving, energy-efficient homes. Officials at Kno-Ho-Co-Ashland Community Action Commission, which covers a four-county area, said they have seen an overwhelming increase in clientele for their weatherization program.

“We have been overwhelmed with client applications here recently,” said Ray Feikert, administrator of the Coshocton office of Kno-Ho-Co. “As utility costs get higher, people are seeing the need to conserve energy as much as possible to be able to save money. ... At the present time we have a waiting list of as close to a year.”

Last year, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act awarded $266 million in funds to the Home Weatherization Assistance Program of Ohio.