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page updated on 7/8/09
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Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program
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Background | Program Principles | Eligible Program Activities | Application Process | FAQs | Links | Further Information
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Background:
As a component of the 2007 Energy Independence and Security Act, the US Department of Energy's Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program was established to assist eligible entities in implementing strategies relating to:
- Reduction of fossil fuel emissions
- Reduction of total energy use
- Improved energy efficiency in transportation, building and other areas
Underneath ARRA, the EECBG has received its first ever appropriation of $3.2 billion nationally. NH is designated to receive approximately $17.3 million. The national funds will be distributed using the following formula:
- 68% will be distributed from the US Department of Energy via a formula to the 10 most populated municipalities and/or counties in each state
- 28% will be distributed from the US Department of Energy via a formula to the state energy offices in each of the states
- Out of the portion going to NH Office of Energy and Planning, 60% is required to go to the municipalities who are not chosen as one of the 10 most populated municipalities. The remaining 40% will go into the State Energy Program
- 2% will be distributed by the US Department of Energy to the Tribes
- 2% will be distributed by the US Department of Energy via competitive process to municipalities, counties and tribes who are not eligible for the direct formula grant funds
This table shows the breakdown of funding for New Hampshire.
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Program Principles
- Prioritize energy efficiency and conservation first as the cheapest, cleanest, and fastest ways to meet energy demand
- To maximize benefits over the longest possible terms, entities should look for ways to link their energy efficiency efforts to long-term priorities (especially community economic development, community stabilization and poverty reduction efforts)
- Invest funds in programs and projects that create and/or retain jobs and stimulate the economy while meeting long term energy goals
- Target programs and projects that will provide substantial, sustainable and measurable energy savings, job creation and economic stimulus effects
- Give priority to programs and projects that leverage federal funds with other public and private resources, including coordinated efforts involving other Federal programs targeting community development funded through the Recovery Act such as the Community Development Block Grant program, HOME, and job training programs
- To the extent possible, develop programs and strategies that will continue beyond the funding period
- Ensure oversight, transparency, and accountability for all program activities
- Enact policies that transform markets, increase investments, and support program goals
- Develop comprehensive plans that benchmark current performance and set aggressive goals
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Eligible Program Activities
EISA law from 2007 dictates program activities that are allowed underneath the EECBG program. These programs and projects include:
- Development of an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy
- Retention of Technical Consultant Services to assist in the development of an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy
- Residential and Commercial Building Energy Audits
- Financial Incentive Programs for energy efficiency improvements
- Grants to nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies for the purpose of performing Energy Efficiency Retrofits
- Energy Efficiency and Conservation Programs for Buildings and Facilities
- Development and Implementation of Transportation Programs to conserve energy
- Building Codes and Inspections to promote building energy efficiency
- Energy Distribution Technologies that significantly increase energy efficiency, including distributed generation, combined heat and power, and district heating and cooling systems
- Material Conservation Programs including source reduction, recycling, and recycled content procurement programs that lead to increases in energy efficiency
- Reduction and Capture of Methane and Greenhouse Gases excluding carbon capture or sequestration from power plants
- Energy efficient Traffic Signals and Street Lighting
- Renewable Energy Technologies on Government Buildings
- Any Other Appropriate Activity that meets the purposes of the program and is approved by DOE
EECBG grants do not require a local match. |
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| Application Process:
The NH Office of Energy and Planning received federal guidelines  from the US Department of Energy (DOE) on March 26, 2009. We are currently reviewing the document and will have more information available soon.
Many communities want to know what they can do now, in preparation for the submission of an EECBG application. We anticipate that it will be several months before a formal application process is in place for EECBG funds, but in the meantime, there are several things your community can do now to get ready. more... |
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Frequently Asked Questions:
In speaking with communities around the state interested in EECBG, NH OEP has encountered many recurring questions. The EECBG FAQ page answers many questions that community leaders may have about the block grant program. If your question is not answered there, feel free to send us an e-mail and we will do our best to answer it. more... |
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Links:
For more information on the EECBG program, please refer to the following Web sites:
- Energy and Independence Security Act of 2007:
- Department of Energy:
- U.S. Council of Mayors:
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Further Information:
For more information about the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program, please contact Dari Sassan. |
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