The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has unveiled a funding allocation of more than $26.9 million to nine states, 27 local governments, and one Tribe as part of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program. This initiative aims to facilitate essential clean energy and infrastructure upgrades, with the goal of reducing energy consumption, cutting down on fossil fuel emissions, and enhancing overall energy efficiency.
U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm highlighted the significance of energy-efficient initiatives, stating, “Energy efficient upgrades are a surefire way to bring down costs and shore up resiliency for communities across the nation.” She emphasized the role of President Biden's Investing in America agenda in providing local governments with the necessary funds to translate clean energy plans into tangible actions, benefitting communities nationwide.
The awarded funds will support a variety of projects aimed at advancing clean energy goals. For instance, Chicago, Illinois, plans to implement initiatives aligned with its Climate Action Plan, including the installation of EV charging infrastructure, development of e-bike incentive programs, and energy audits and retrofits for city facilities. The city also aims to replace gas-powered vehicles in its municipal fleet with electric vehicles and establish a pilot program for public EV chargers in disadvantaged communities, with an emphasis on multifamily housing residents.
In California, the Ewiiaapaayp Band of Kumeyaay Indians intends to utilize funds to create a strategic energy plan aimed at connecting to the local public utility grid and increasing renewable energy generation within the community. Currently reliant on propane generators, the Tribe seeks to transition to renewable energy sources to reduce costs, emissions, and enhance energy resilience.
Similarly, Kentucky plans to establish a subgranting program to enable local governments to implement clean energy and energy efficiency initiatives. The program will prioritize projects such as solar energy storage, building retrofits, and recycling efforts, particularly in disaster-prone areas. Additionally, there will be a focus on projects that alleviate energy burdens and provide long-term benefits to disadvantaged communities, including those historically dependent on coal mining.
The EECBG Program extends support to eligible local governments, including Puerto Rican municipios, with an application deadline extended to October 31, 2024. Tribes have also been granted an extension, with their application deadline set to May 31, 2025. Both local governments and Tribes have the option to apply for traditional grants or vouchers for equipment rebates or technical assistance, with DOE offering application support and guidance to interested communities.
