Show Me the Money:$300 Million Rebate for Purchases of Energy Efficient Appliances
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Steven Chu today announced the availability of nearly $300 million in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for state-run rebate programs for consumer purchases of new ENERGY STAR® qualified home appliances.
The new funding will be awarded according to a formula to states and territories that submit a plan specifying which ENERGY STAR appliance categories will be included in the program, the amount of the rebate level and other information. States and territories must first file an initial application expressing their intent to participate by August 15, 2009, followed by a full application by October 15, 2009. States and territories will receive 10% of the funds after submitting the initial application with the balance awarded after their program plans are approved. DOE anticipates that a vast majority of funding will be awarded by November 30, 2009. The complete Funding Opportunity Announcement, under number DE-FOA-000011.
Show Me the Money: $153 Million for Seven States
U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced more than $153 million in Recovery Act funding to support energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Montana, New York, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. With today's announcement, these states and territories will now have received 50% of their total Recovery Act State Energy Program (“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. Transparency and accountability are important priorities for SEP and all Recovery Act projects. Throughout the program's implementation, DOE will provide strong oversight at the local, state, and national level, while emphasizing with states the need to quickly award funds to help create new jobs and stimulate local economies. For more information, see http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/news/progress_alerts.cfm/pa_id=196
DOE Announces $154 million in Funding for State Energy Programs
Yesterday, the Department of Energy (“DOE”) announced more than $154 million in Recovery Act funding to four states for their State Energy Programs (“SEPs”). The funds were awarded to California, Missouri, New Hampshire, and North Carolina. The funding is to be provided in two stages to the four states with the second stage requiring successful performance at the first level. The funding is to be utilized in the areas of energy efficiency, workforce training, education and related programs.
California will use its SEP funds to finance a statewide retrofit program, provide clean energy to buildings and facilities, and develop a public education and outreach program focusing on the advantages of energy efficiency. In addition, California will use its SEP funds to further develop a green workforce in the areas of energy efficiency and clean energy. After demonstrating success in the execution of its plan, California will receive additional funds of more than $113 million, for a total of $226 million.
Missouri will use its SEP funds to increase energy efficiency through various measures, including the expansion of existing home efficiency programs, building energy codes, and training programs. Missouri will also examine its most energy-intensive industrial/manufacturing sectors for energy-saving opportunities and will increase energy efficiency through a program that may include energy audits, rebates, and low-interest loans. After demonstrating success in the execution of its plan, Missouri will receive more than $28.6 million of additional funds, for a total of over $57 million.
New Hampshire will use its SEP funds to advance energy efficiency and renewable energy through building codes, competitive loans and grants, and financial and technical assistance to businesses and other institutions. New Hampshire will also support energy efficiency upgrades to colleges, universities, and state-owned buildings. After demonstrating success in the execution of its plan, New Hampshire will receive more than $12 million of additional funds, for a total of over $25.8 million.
North Carolina will use its SEP funds to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy through competitive grants, revolving loans, and education and training programs designed to encourage investment in energy-related technologies. The state will also establish a training program in its community colleges and universities to prepare workers for the green economy. After demonstrating success in the execution of its plan, North Carolina will receive $38 million of additional funds, for a total of $76 million.
