Residents in five east-central Alabama counties may be eligible to receive assistance in reducing their home energy bills thanks to a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy.

According to a news release from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, Gov. Bob Riley awarded the $98,514 energy grant to the Chambers, Tallapoosa and Coosa Community Action Agency for use in home weatherization projects. The agency will use the funds to provide home repair assistance to low-income, elderly and disabled residents living in Chambers, Tallapoosa, Coosa, Macon and Russell counties. The grant will cover repairs such as adding insulation, replacing or repairing windows and doors, sealing air leaks and patching holes in roofs.