The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program
The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program is a one-time allocation of $550 million, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, available to states, local governments and tribes for energy efficiency and conservation projects. The Department of Energy (DOE) is currently accepting applications for formula grants and for competitive grants.
The EECBG program may be familiar to some communities because it was previously funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act in 2009. Funding can be used for a wide variety of projects that lower energy costs, reduce carbon emissions and energy use and improve energy efficiency. Project investments include clean energy strategic plans, building audits and retrofits, electric vehicles (EV) and EV infrastructure, distributed energy technology, street lighting replacement, renewable energy resources and more.
Formula Grants: To determine if your community received a formula allocation, review the DOEâs Formula Grant Funding Allocations to Local Governments. If listed, your local government must submit aPre-Award Information Sheetby July 31, 2023 (extended deadline). Full applications must be submitted before January 31, 2024. More information on EECBG formula grants, including the vouchers for technical assistance and/or equipment rebates option, is available on the EECBG Formula Grant Application Hub.
Competitive Grants: Local governments that are not eligible for formula grants can apply for competitive grants directly from the DOE. Concept papers are due by June 5, 2023, with full applications due by August 7, 2023. Local governments are encouraged to apply collaboratively. DOE will prioritize projects that significantly improve energy efficiency and reduce fossil fuel use in disadvantaged communities. More information is available on the EECBG Competitive Program Application Hub.
Subgrants: Local governments not receiving formula grants can also apply for a subgrant from the North Carolina Energy Office. States are required to pass through 60% of EECBG formula allocations to local governments as subgrants. Details on the subgrant application process are not available yet.
All applicants to the EECBG program must submit an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy (EECS) to the DOE for approval. The EECS describes the local governmentâs goals to increase energy efficiency and conservation and the plan for using an EECBG grant to achieve those goals. To help with that, the DOE created an EECS template for local governments to use.
If you are interested in applying for the EECBG competitive grants, or if you have any additional questions, Centralinaâs Government Affairs and Member Engagement team are available to assist member governments with grant strategy guidance, application feedback, and formal grant writing and administration training. Learn more about our grant support services here.
