Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grants…
Energy Office Applies for $9.593 Million
In June 2009, the Nebraska Energy Office submitted its Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant application for $9.593 million in funds under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 from the U.S. Department of Energy. The application outlines the state's process and will leverage matching funds for renewable energy projects, building retrofit projects and lighting projects.
The Energy Office will issue a request for proposals to the state’s NonDirect recipients of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Grants — 83 counties and approximately 500 cities, towns and villages. All of the state's Energy Efficiency & Conservation Grant funds will go to cities and counties. The grant maximum will be $250,000 and a 20 percent cash match will be required.
After the grant application submission date, projects will be divided into four categories for evaluation:
A review panel will evaluate the proposals using Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program principles and outcomes with priority given to energy savings and job creation. The agency will make the final determination of grant winners, during the first half of 2010.
For the most current information on these grants visit the Energy Office’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act page on the web.
Update
The U.S. Department of Energy approved the state's plan September 14, 2009.