DOE Sends $178 Million to 16 States for Energy Efficiency

The Energy Department has awarded $178 million in Recovery Act money to 16 states under the department's Energy Efficiency and Block Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program. At least 60% of each state's grant will be passed through to local cities and counties not eligible for direct funding under the program.

"This funding will allow states across the country to make major investments in energy solutions that will strengthen America's economy and create jobs at the local level," Energy Secretary Steven Chu said. "It will also promote some of the cheapest, cleanest and most reliable energy technologies we have — energy efficiency and conservation — which can be deployed immediately. Local communities can now make strategic investments to help meet the nation's long-term clean energy and climate goals," he added.

The states and territories receiving this latest round of awards are: Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Indiana, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Oregon, Puerto Rico, South Dakota, Tennessee, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Vermont and Virginia.

Most states will receive grants of $9.6 million. Indiana, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Tennessee and Virginia will get awards of $14 million or more.

Eligible projects include development of energy efficiency and conservation strategies, energy efficiency audits and retrofits, transportation programs, creation of financial incentive programs for energy efficiency improvements, development and implementation of advanced building codes and inspections, and the installation of renewable energy technologies at municipal buildings.

DOE will provide strong oversight at the local, state and tribal levels. Communities will be required to regularly report the progress they have made in successful completion of projects and reaching program goals to the Energy Department.  Also, all grant recipients have specific transparency and accountability requirements they must meet before spending all of the funds they receive.

For more information on specific state projects, click the links below.

   DOE news release

   EERE news release