North Carolina will be able to weatherize about 800 homes more than previously expected with a $2 million infusion from the federal stimulus fund.

The $2 million announced today will add to the $132 million previously allotted for the state's weatherization program.

The weatherization aspect of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, open to low-income households, is part of the Obama administration's strategy to improve the nation's energy efficiency. Weatherization typically involves free insulation, duct-sealing and other measures that cut energy waste and can slash utility bills for homeowners.

The N.C. Energy Office today announced a new weatherization program financed by the federal stimulus package for new homes and homes under construction.

The $3.7 million program will make energy-efficiency upgrades to 2,500 new single-family homes, 1,700 manufactured homes and 480 apartment units.

The participating homes will have to achieve a minimum of 15 percent in energy savings in order for the agencies carrying out the work to be paid.

The state's weatherization assistance program, woefully behind schedule in administering federal stimulus funds, has a new director.

Rita Joyner, with advanced degrees in education and engineering, was named section chief of the weatherization program in announcement issued today. Joyner was most recently special assistant in the N.C. Energy Office within the Department of Commerce.

Joyner fills a vacancy created last May by the death of Zack Hamlett, who ran the program as head of the Office of Economic Opportunity within the Department of Health and Human Services.