INDIANAPOLIS -- Energy audits of more than 30,000 homes will not only create jobs, but provide significant savings for low-income Hoosiers, the governor said Friday.

Gov. Mitch Daniels touted the $132 million stimulus program as a way to create at least 2,300 jobs, 6News' Norman Cox reported.

Workers will do energy audits on homes and then install up to $5,000 in needed improvements, like energy-efficient furnaces and water heaters, insulation and programmable thermostats.

Citizens Gas already offers a similar services, but on a much smaller scales. Spokesman Dan Considine said the savings from an energy-efficient upgrade can be huge.

"Our program, on average, can reduce the energy use of those homes by more than 35 percent. So it can have a huge impact," he said.

Daniels said he hopes to get the program off the ground as soon as possible.

"The sooner we get the contracts awarded, the sooner people can be hired, trained and work can begin," he said.

Those eligible for the program will be contacted based on a database of families who've qualified for energy assistance in the past.

For those who don't qualify, Considine said Citizens Gas offers a rebate program to have energy-saving equipment installed. More information can be found on the utility's Web site.