On June 24, 2009, the Department of Energy (“DOE”) announced more than $204 million in ARRA funding to ten states for their State Energy Programs (“SEPs”).

Here is a summary of how the monies will be used in Minnesota, South Carolina and South Dakota:

Minnesota has been awarded $21.7 million in federal stimulus funds for retrofitting existing public buildings and homes, renewable energy and energy efficiency programs and to develop new training opportunities. Minnesota’s SEP will award grants to small, medium, and large businesses to help provide for the design, financing and installation of various energy efficiency improvements and retrofits.  The state will also administer grants to work with utilities to develop programs that leverage ARRA funds to promote energy efficiency with customers, such as low-interest loans and grants. After demonstrating successful implementation of its plan, Minnesota will receive more than $27 million in additional funding, for a total of more than $54 million. This money is in addition to the $132 million the state will receive for weatherization grants for low-income households.

South Carolina  has been awarded $20.2 million in federal stimulus funds. South Carolina’s SEP will utilize the funding to provide grants and loans to improve energy efficiency in public school districts, public colleges and universities, and state agencies to reduce the burden of energy bills for taxpayers, while creating jobs and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.  South Carolina also intends to provide financial assistance to various industrial, commercial and small business entities to support energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.  This financial assistance, along with education and training programs included in the SEP, will help create clean energy jobs in the state and make business and industry more economically stable. After demonstrating successful implementation of its plan, the state will receive more than $25 million in additional funding, for a total of over $50 million.

South Dakota has been awarded $9.5 million in federal stimulus funds. South Dakota’s SEP will use its funding to support the Energy Efficient Government program and to provide revolving energy loans to state institutions. The programs will promote energy efficiency efforts while reducing energy costs in state owned buildings, which will directly benefit state residents.  The state’s energy office will administer the funds, provide technical guidance, and assure accountability and transparency for the state institutions who apply for the two programs.  These programs coordinate with South Dakota’s energy goals to promote and encourage energy conservation, energy efficiency, renewable energy and alternative fuels. After demonstrating successful implementation of its plan, the state will receive more than $11 million in additional funding, for a total of more than $23 million.

My colleagues have blogged on the other seven states that received funds including:  Florida, Idaho, Kansas, Utah, Connecticut, Washington and Arizona.