• 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 anticipates receiving $12.5 million. Of this, $9.5 million will go to the New Hampshire Office of Energy and Planning (OEP) for administration and distribution as subgrants, and $3 million will go to the State's ten largest municipalities.

When will money be available?

EECBG funds will be distributed to OEP from the US Department of Energy on a tiered schedule, based on compliance. OEP must first submit its application for the EECBG program by June 25, 2009. Upon approval from DOE, OEP will have 180 days to obligate the funds to subgrantees. More information on this will follow.

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 ten largest municipalities receiving funding directly from US Department of Energy will not be eligible to receive EECBG funding issued through OEP.

Can NH counties apply?

Yes, NH counties will be eligible to apply for EECBG funds issued through OEP.

Can school districts apply?

At this time, OEP does not anticipate school districts will be able to apply for funding directly. However we are currently assessing whether school district projects/programs are able to apply for funding through one of the municipalities served by the school district.

Can businesses and nonprofits apply?

Businesses and nonprofits are not eligible to apply for EECBG funding directly. However we are currently assessing whether businesses or nonprofits are able to apply for funding through an application submitted by a municipality or county.

What are the eligible activities?

There are 14 broad activity categories that are eligible for EECBG program funding. They 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

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 for town buildings would be eligible. Additionally, programs that provide incentives for residents and/or businesses to obtain energy audits would also be eligible.

How do I apply for the EECBG funds?

The application process is still being developed. OEP anticipates it will work with a partnering organization to assist it with implementing the program. This partner would be chosen through an open and competitive Request for Proposal procedure.

Will training/grant writing assistance be available?

OEP recognizes the need municipalities may have for training/grant writing assistance for these programs. This component of the EECBG program is still under development.

What should I do now to prepare for the EECBG application process?

OEP has developed a Web page devoted specifically to this question. For more information please visit the following Preparing for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG).

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

That will depend on your request and the grant parameters determined if and when you are awarded your EECBG grant. In general, all funds must be obligated/committed within 18 months of the effective date of the award and spent within 36 months of the effective date of the award.

What criteria will be used to evaluate grant submissions?

While details are still to be determined, OEP recommends that you refer to the ARRA program principles, program outcomes and eligible activities.

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?

OEP anticipates receiving $9.5 million dollars to both administer and grant funds for the EECBG program. 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.

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE FUNDS

What is the range of funding that will be available?

This has not yet been determined. More details will be known as the program is developed.

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.

How much money is permitted for administrative expenses?

OEP is allowed to expend no more than 10% of the $9.5 million on administrative expenses. OEP is seeking guidance regarding how much each grantee can spend on program administration.

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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