• General Questions
• Questions About the Application Process
• Questions About the Funds

What is the history of EECBG Program? Will the EECBG program continue?

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program was created in 2007 with the passage of the Energy Investment and Securities Act (EISA). The program was created to provide states, counties and units of local government with grant funds to reduce fossil fuel emissions, reduce total energy use, and improve energy efficiency in appropriate sectors including buildings and transportation. Although EISA proposed to appropriate $2 billion per year to the EECBG program through 2012, the program recently received its first funding allocation through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). It is unknown if the EECBG program will receive future appropriations.

What is the breakdown for New Hampshire's portion of the EECBG?

New Hampshire has been designated to receive $17.3 million. Of this, $9.6 million will go to the New Hampshire Office of Energy and Planning (OEP) for administration and distribution as subgrants, and $6.6 million will go to the State's ten largest municipalities and counties.

How do I stay informed?

To keep the public informed about the development of the ARRA programs, OEP has developed a listserv. To stay informed, please sign up for the listserv to receive future e-mails with updates about these programs.

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE APPLICATION PROCESS

Who is eligible to apply for EECBG funding?

Units of local government and counties will be able to apply for EECBG funding distributed by OEP. Units of Local Government are defined as follows:

1. The government is in the latest available Census of Governments as a currently incorporated government;
2. The government has a governance structure with an elected official and governing body;
3. The government has the authority to implement the eligible activities under this program; and
4. The government meets the population thresholds in EISA as further defined in the Federal Register.

The Counties and ten largest Municipalities receiving funding directly from US Department of Energy may be eligible to apply for limited EECBG funding issued through OEP.

If my municipality is located in a county that is ineligible for EECBG Subgrant funding, is my municipality automatically ineligible as well?

No. Manchester and Nashua are the only municipalities that are ineligible for EECBG Subgrant funding.

Can schools, non-profits or private entities apply?

Municipalities and counties can apply for funding to be used on projects within their jurisdictions. This could include, but may not be limited to, schools and non-profits. It will be necessary that any such projects provide a substantial benefit to the entire community.

My community plans to apply for funding to carry out more than one project. How many applications will we need to submit?

Table 1a on page 6 of the full application package lists application categories. Communities should submit separate applications for activities falling within separate categories.

What are the eligible activities?

There are 9 broad activity categories that are eligible for EECBG program funding. They include:

• Lighting Upgrades
• Building Energy Efficiency Measures
• Building Energy Audit
• Energy Studies and Energy Planning
• Reducing Commuter Vehicle Fuel Use
• Idling Reduction Technologies
• Waste Reduction
• Renewable Energy
• Other innovative projects and exceptional projects

OEP encourages communities to be creative about how EECBG funds could best be used. This may include energy efficiency upgrades to the town hall but could also include the development of programs to encourage broader reduction of energy use in the community.

Are energy audits eligible?

Yes, energy audits will be eligible. Additionally, programs that provide incentives for residents and/or businesses to obtain energy audits could also be eligible.

How do I apply for the EECBG funds?

To apply for EECBG Subgrants, utilize the links to the complete application package, as well as the individual forms that are posted at www.nh.gov/oep/recovery/eecbg.htm.

If I receive EECBG funds, how quickly must I spend them?

All contracted work must be completed by March 10, 2012.

What criteria will be used to evaluate grant submissions?

The selection criteria are delineated in the full application package .

What will be the reporting requirements to receive EECBG funds?

There will be an unprecedented level of transparency and accountability for projects or programs funded under ARRA. The reporting requirements will be extensive and include documentation of compliance with the Davis Bacon Act and the Buy-American provisions, among others. Due to the extensive reporting requirements, a unit of local government or county may want to consider the amount of time and resources they are able to devote to projects and programs seeking EECBG funding. More information will be provided about the reporting requirements as the programs are developed.

What is the Davis Bacon Act and where can I learn more about it?

The Davis Bacon Act sets wage requirements for contractors and subcontractors who are working on public building improvements funded under ARRA. The requirements are based upon prevailing industry wage rates and are intended to ensure that workers receive fair pay. The US Department of Labor has many resources available on their Web site.

Do I have to buy American and are there exceptions/exemptions?

The following language is pulled directly from the ARRA text, page 189.

SEC. 1605. USE OF AMERICAN IRON, STEEL, AND MANUFACTURED GOODS.

(a) None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be used for a project for the construction, alteration, maintenance, or repair of a public building or public work unless all of the iron, steel, and manufactured goods used in the project are produced in the United States.

(b) Subsection (a) shall not apply in any case or category of cases in which the head of the Federal department or agency involved finds that -

(1) applying subsection (a) would be inconsistent with the public interest;
(2) iron, steel, and the relevant manufactured goods are not produced in the United States in sufficient and reasonably available quantities and of a satisfactory quality; or
(3) inclusion of iron, steel, and manufactured goods produced in the United States will increase the cost of the overall project by more than 25 percent.

(c) If the head of a Federal department or agency determines that it is necessary to waive the application of subsection (a) based on a finding under subsection (b), the head of the department or agency shall publish in the Federal Register a detailed written justification as to why the provision is being waived.

(d) This section shall be applied in a manner consistent with United States obligations under international agreements.

Will there be enough money in the EECBG program to fund all of the proposals in New Hampshire?

There is an enormous need for financial assistance to municipalities and counties as they work to become more energy efficient. EECBG funds will be awarded on a competitive basis and it is unlikely that all proposals submitted will be funded.

Is there a limit to how many Applications I can submit?

An applicant may submit multiple Applications; however, the sum total amount of funding requested in these Applications may not exceed the Applicant's maximum funding limit.

May I submit an Application for a project at a state government facility within my jurisdiction?

Yes, State-government facilities located in the Applicant's or the partnering local government's jurisdiction are eligible locations.

What software tools should I use to benchmark my energy use?

Applicants may use any available software tools to benchmark energy use. In order to receive points in the scoring criteria, attach a printout from your benchmarking software. We suggest using EPA ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager. The EPA ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager is a free Web-based evaluation tool that compares a building's energy use with similar buildings nationwide, and tracks a building's energy use over time. The EPA ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager can be accessed at www.energystar.gov/istar/pmpam/. If your project has unsupported building types, input the data into the EPA ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager as best as possible. Even without a score, this is a valuable tool for tracking your building's energy use.

The population of the municipality as of the latest Census.

No, Appendix K applies only to Applications where funding is being requested to complete an energy audit. If you have already completed energy audits on your building, Appendix K does not apply.

The intent of Appendix K is to provide a consistent definition of what an energy audit will include. Equipment lists and detailed information are of primary concern for major equipment such as heating and cooling systems, ventilation systems, lighting, and other equipment that may consume a large percentage of the building's energy. For small equipment and appliances, such as computers, an approximate quantity and type of unit would typically suffice.

The lighting savings per room was offered as an example and is not a requirement of the audit.

If a proposed project intends to also receive funds through the NH electric and/or gas utility programs, is this OK and would it be considered in the overall cost of the project?

Yes, utility rebates may be accessed and they would be considered in the total cost of the project.

Appendix J states that "financial savings associated with reduced fuel consumption should be clearly stated". What values should we use for fuel prices?

For financial calculations, fuel prices from the NH OEP Web site as posted on January 25, 2010 should be used. While we understand that your prices may vary from these values, this should simplify your calculations and provide a consistent method statewide. These values are shown in the table below.

Does each partnering municipality have to have a DUNS number and CCR registration?

Yes, in order to receive payment for the implementation of a project, each partnering municipality MUST obtain a DUNS number and register in the Central Contractor Registry.

How long does it take to obtain a DUNS number and register in the CCR?

Employer ID Numbers (EINs)

Applicants must have an Employer Identification Number (EIN) is also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number, and is used to identify a business entity. Generally, businesses need an EIN. You may apply for an EIN in various ways, and now you may apply online. http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=102767,00.html This is a free service offered by the Internal Revenue Service.

D-U-N-S Number

Applicants must have applied for a D-U-N-S number upon submitting an Application. A D&B® D-U-N-S number is a unique nine digit sequence for indentifying and tracking organizations. It is a Federal requirement to have and provide a D-U-N-S number in order to receive ARRA funds. OEP is not able to enter into a contract with any Applicants without a D-U-N-S number. This is a free service. Additional information can be found at www.dnb.com/US/duns_update.

Central Contractor Registration (CCR)

The Central Contractor Registration (CCR) is the primary registrant database for the U.S. Federal Government. CCR collects, validates, stores and disseminates data in support of agency acquisition missions. Successful Applicants are required to register in the CCR http://www.ccr.gov.

My project involves a ground source heat pump system that is replacing an oil boiler and several rooftop air conditioners. How should I calculate the MMBTU value for the Application?

Convert the current energy use associated with the oil boiler (gallons) and the air conditioners (kWh) to MMBTU and then compare this to the estimated MMBTU value for the geothermal system to provide heating and cooling (as converted from kWh using the conversion factors in Appendix I). The MMBTU value for the Application is then the current MMBTU use minus the estimated MMBTU use from the ground source heat pump.

My project involves a propane-fired combined heat and power system that is offsetting the space heating load for an oil boiler. How should I calculate the MMBTU value for the Application?

Estimate the space heating MMBTU value from the CHP system (converting the propane using the conversion factors in Appendix I). For example: If your CHP analysis shows that the system will provide X MMBTU for space heating, this is the value for the Application.& The electricity production from the unit is seen as the primary function for the CHP unit.

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE FUNDS

Can I stack EECBG and SEP, RGGI, CORE, or REF funding?

Yes, OEP encourages leveraging any relevant funding sources to maximize your project/program.

Does EECBG require matching funds?

Matching funds are not required.

Can municipalities apply as a group?

Yes, a group of eligible units of local governments may choose to submit a single application provided that the application is submitted by a single eligible unit of local government representing the group and reporting on its behalf.

Who do I contact if I still have questions?

Dari Sassan - dari.sassan@nh.gov or 603-271-1765.

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