WASHINGTON, DC – The United States Department of Energy (DOE) will sponsor a free, two-day home rebuilding workshop this weekend in Biloxi, Mississippi to offer hurricane-affected residents expert advice on using the latest energy efficiency products and techniques as they seek to rebuild their homes and communities. This workshop is the second of three in the Gulf Region.  Last weekend approximately 2,500 homeowners and consumers visited the workshop outside New Orleans, Louisiana, each day.

 

“These workshops are raising awareness of how best to use the latest energy efficient products and techniques as homeowners rebuild in the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita,” said Douglas L. Faulkner, Acting Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.  “In the long run, the techniques and products demonstrated during the workshop will help re-establish stronger, more energy-efficient communities.”

 

The Biloxi workshop will be held Saturday and Sunday, January 28 and 29, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Imperial Palace in Biloxi, MS.  The final workshop will be offered in Mobile, Alabama next weekend.    

 

Workshop attendees will receive hands-on instructions for improving home energy efficiency and durability when repairing storm-damaged roofs, ceilings, walls and floors, and when installing windows, doors and hurricane shutters.  In effort to help homeowners make use of their training right away, the first 1000 people who attend the workshops will receive a mystery gift card worth $5-$1000 from Home Depot.  The Home Depot will also donate discount coupons worth ten percent off customers’ purchases. 

 

DOE has partnered with Entergy New Orleans, The Home Depot, and the Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing (PATH) to host these workshops.  Workshops will run from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on the following days: