Ohio, Oregon, Virginia and West Virginia Receive ARRA Money for Energy Programs

Under DOE’s State Energy Program (SEP), states have proposed statewide plans that prioritize energy savings, create or retain jobs, increase the use of renewable energy, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

With the awards announced in June for Ohio, Oregon, Virginia and West Virginia, those states will have received 50 percent of their total Recovery Act SEP funding. The initial 10% of total funding was previously available to states to support planning activities; the remaining 50% of funds will be released once states meet reporting, oversight, and accountability milestones required by the Recovery Act.

Here’s a brief summary of how the states intend to spend some of the funds:

·         Ohio - $38.4 million: Ohio will develop a revolving loan program to improve access to capital for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects through a public-private partnership using SEP dollars in tandem with debt or equity investment participation. This low-interest financing would be made available for a variety of renewable energy projects and would help to expand the availability of financing based on energy savings, including for smaller commercial entities.

·         Oregon - $16.8 million: Oregon will use funding from the Recovery Act to fund energy efficiency improvements, develop renewable energy resources, and ensure environmental protections through the established State Energy Program. The state will focus on public buildings to most effectively use its existing expertise and programs, while also providing an opportunity for government to take a leadership role in demonstrating innovations in energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies.

·         Virginia - $28 million: Virginia will support several programs aimed at spurring investment in residential, commercial, and industrial energy efficiency, as well as renewable energy projects. Under SEP, the Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program will receive funding to encourage energy efficiency improvements and retrofits. Homeowners will be eligible for rebates when they replace major systems equipment, such as central air conditioning, insulation, furnaces, windows, lighting upgrades, and programmable thermostats that result in energy savings for the home.

·         West Virginia - $13.1 million: West Virginia will use its SEP funding provided by the Recovery Act to implement six programs to improve energy efficiency in state buildings. These programs will fund upgrades in state administrative office buildings, hospitals, health care facilities, laboratories, schools, colleges and universities, and armories. West Virginia will also create the Energy Efficiency for Businesses Revolving Loan Program to provide financial assistance to businesses to support energy efficiency investments. SEP funding will also go toward creating a Green Collar Jobs Training program to provide West Virginians with the education, training and skills necessary for employment in the fields of energy efficiency and renewable energy.