Frequently Asked Questions - Federal Stimulus Funding for Energy

We have been receiving many calls at the RRPC from folks interested in the status of energy funding coming to Vermont. There is so much information out there - but what applies specifically to the Rutland region? Here are some answers to a few frequently asked questions:

How much money is coming to Vermont for energy?

The Clean Energy Development Fund (CEDF) will be responsible for distributing most of the money. The CEDF will receive $21,999,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds designated to the State Energy Program (SEP) and $9,593,500 in ARRA Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants (EECBG) funds in FY 2010.

How will the money be divided?

The Vermont legislature specifies that the ARRA funds are to be used for the following:

• The Vermont Small‐Scale Renewable Energy Incentive Program;
• Grant and loan programs for renewable energy resources;
• Grants and loans to thermal energy efficiency incentive programs, community scale renewable energy financing programs, certification and training for renewable energy workers, promotion of local biomass and geothermal heating, and anemometer loan program;
• $2 million for a public‐serving institutions efficiency and renewable energy grant and loan program;
• $2 million to the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board for nonprofit weatherization and renewables grants and loans;
• $2 million to the Vermont Telecommunications Authority to make grants of no more than $10,000 per turbine for the installation of small‐scale wind turbines and co-located cellular transmission towers;
• $880,000 to the 11 regional planning commissions ($80,000 to each) for energy efficiency and conservation activities eligible under the EECBG program.

What towns in the Rutland region are receiving formula grants?

Rutland City is one of the ten largest towns in Vermont and will receive a formula grant through the EECBG program in the amount of $78,900.

Is it too late to apply for federal funding for energy?

Although formula grant deadlines are quickly approaching or have already passed, because most of Vermont's stimulus money is going thought CEDF, most applicants in Vermont will apply through the CEDF. The formula grant deadline for Vermont's big funding allocations has already been met through the hard work of the Department of Public Service.

What is the Rutland Regional Planning Commission doing with its $80,000?

The RRPC has not yet decided on a plan for its funding. We will hold a meeting to discuss possibilities on July 21st at 6 pm in room 266 of the Asa Bloomer Building - everyone is welcome. The Department of Public Service has not yet published specific guidelines for this funding although there are Federal guidelines that will have to be considered.

Where can I find more information about the Clean Energy Development Fund (CEDF)?

Visit the CEDF page on the Department of Public Service website to link to their program plan, budget, and information about all their programs. Click here.

The Vermont CEDF FY 2010 Program Plan and Budget contains useful information, including

a description of the federal funds coming in (page 5), a summary of the Grant Program (starting page 8), and a table showing the FY 2010 CEDF Budget (page 15). Click here to download the pdf.

Where can I find more general information about federal stimulus money in Vermont?

Visit http://recovery.vermont.gov/energy for more useful information.