Summary
- Grants from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will fund clean energy infrastructure projects in communities
- $16.9 million will be distributed to 22 local governments and the state of New York
- These projects include energy audits, EV chargers, solar-plus-storage, and more
- The program aims to increase renewable energy capacity and lower overall energy use
- The EECBG Program offers technical assistance and flexible funding options for eligible entities
Article
The U.S. Department of Energy has announced a new round of funding through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program, distributing $16.9 million to 22 local governments and the state of New York. These funds, part of President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, aim to support clean energy infrastructure projects such as energy audits, EV chargers, solar arrays, and battery storage systems. The program is designed to help improve energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and lower overall energy use in communities across the country. Since its inception, the program has awarded nearly $180 million to various entities.
Grantees of the EECBG Program will utilize the funds for a variety of projects, including supporting low-income households through energy assessments, conducting electrification studies for municipal facilities, purchasing EV charging stations, installing solar arrays and battery storage systems, and leveraging Energy Savings Performance Contracts. These projects aim to promote clean energy, advance local energy goals, and enhance energy resilience in communities. The program offers 14 eligible categories of clean energy projects and programs for entities to choose from based on their clean energy goals.
Specific projects funded by the EECBG Program include installing a roof-mounted solar array and battery storage system in Bayamón, conducting free energy audits for nonprofits in Columbus, purchasing EVs and installing EV chargers in Miami, weatherizing a historical building in Navajo County, and developing a Municipal Operations Energy Plan in Whittier. These projects align with the program’s goal of supporting clean energy initiatives and advancing environmental justice in communities. The program also aims to ensure that a portion of the benefits of these investments flow to disadvantaged communities through the Justice40 Initiative.
The EECBG Program offers technical assistance to grantees, including Blueprints and Blueprint Cohorts, to support the implementation of clean energy and energy efficiency projects. Grantees can choose between traditional grants or vouchers for equipment rebates and technical assistance. The application deadline for eligible local governments is October 31, 2024, and May 31, 2025, for Tribes. Communities are encouraged to apply for funding to support their energy efficiency and clean energy goals. The program seeks to increase access to clean energy, boost energy resilience, and accelerate the deployment of energy efficiency projects at the local level.
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