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TheĀ Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP) awarded energy efficiency funding to three households as part of the program's Northern Virginia Home Energy Makeover Contest. The three winners, chosen from 1,600 applications, will use their winnings to help fund energy efficiency upgrades in their homes. Each winner has different needs based on their home type, but all saw the need for energy efficiency improvements. Contest winners Ann and Rich Dorman plan to upgrade their condominium with LED lights and additional insulation. Second place winners, Marti Fucile and Eric Shor will make their townhome, which has high ceilings and tall windows, more efficient with upgrades. "I knew this house was drafty, and that it wasn't as efficient as it could be," Fucile said. "We're definitely anxious to make our footprint smaller and make this place more efficient." Finally, Rich and Lisa Layman will upgrade their 1940s-era home and plan to set aside money saved on energy bills for their children's college funds. LEAP hopes that Home Energy Makeover Contest winners will spread the message of energy efficiency as they experience the benefits firsthand. "Our goal was to find representative homes, where homeowners then can serve as 'energy champions,'" said Cynthia Adams, executive director of LEAP in the Northern Virginia area.

Sources: Alexandria Times, "Local Woman Wins 3K for Energy Efficient Improvements"
Reston Connection, "LEAP Awards $5,000 to Homeowners"