There’s More Money Out There – And It’s Closer to Home

The Recovery Act designated $3.1 billion to the State Energy Program (SEP) to help promote energy efficiency and clean energy deployment, as well as to support local economic recovery.  Under SEP, states and territories propose statewide plans to the DOE that prioritize energy savings, create or retain jobs, increase the use of renewable energy, and reduce carbon pollution.

Activities eligible for SEP funding include energy audits, building retrofits, education and training efforts, transportation programs to increase the use of alternative fuels and hybrid vehicles, and new financing mechanisms to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy investments.

The states start out with 50% of their total SEP allotment and once they meet reporting, oversight and accountability requirements set by the Recovery Act they get the other 50%.

But SEP is just one piece of the energy pie as far as states are concerned. Many are also receiving money through a number of the following initiatives:

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·         Weatherization

·         Energy efficiency and conservation block grants

·         Appliance rebates

·         Clean Cities program

·         Advanced batteries

·         State and local

·         Renewables

·         Worker training

·         Environmental management

Here are some resources to help zero in on programs near you:  

• State Stimulus Toolkits – SGN has compiled toolkits for all 50 states that are loaded with resources including state energy contacts, utilities, regulators, media coverage and select energy projects.
• DOE In Your State – Click on a map to learn more about energy allocations for each state.