Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Funding

On October 19, the Department of Energy released its funding announcement for the competitive grant section of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (ECGB) Program. The funding is broken into two sections: Topic 1, the Retrofit Ramp-Up Program and Topic 2, the General Innovation Fund.

The Retrofit Ramp-Up Program provides up to $390 million for eight to 20 project awards funded at $5 to $75 million each. Both eligible and non-eligible counties (under the EECBG funding formula) are eligible to apply. According to grant guidance, DOE is specifically targeting these funds for high-impact awards that will enable large-scale programs of ongoing energy efficiency retrofits on residential, commercial, industrial and public buildings in geographically focused areas.
The General Innovation Fund provides up to $63.68 million for projects of $1 -$5 million for 15-60 awards. The General Innovation Fund is limited to local governments that were not eligible to receive direct EECBG funding allocations through the EECBG formula grants. No recipient cost share is required for General Innovation Fund awards.

DOE highlights the following activities as eligible activities for funding:
Building Energy Audits
Financial Incentive Programs for Energy Efficiency Improvements
Energy Efficiency Retrofits
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Programs for Buildings and Facilities
Development and Implementation of Transportation Programs to Conserve Energy
Building Codes and Enforcement
Energy Distribution Technologies for Energy Efficiency
Material Conservation Programs including source reduction, recycling and recycled content procurement programs
Reduction and Capture of Methane and Greenhouse Gases
Replacement of Traffic Signals and Street Lighting with Energy Efficient Technologies

Applications for both programs are due December 14, 2009.