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. Delaware is expected to receive approx. $11.1 million. The national funds will be distributed using the following formula:

• 68 percent 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 percent 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 Delaware Energy Office, 60 percent is required to go to the municipalities and counties who are not chosen as one of the 10 most populated municipalities/counties. The remaining 40 percent will go into the State Energy Program
• 2 percent will be distributed by the US Department of Energy to the Tribes
• 2 percent 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 Delaware.

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.

Status:

The Delaware Energy Office received federal guidelines from the US Department of Energy (DOE) March 26, 2009. The Energy Office is currently reviewing the document and will have more information available soon.

Links:

For more information on the EECBG program, please refer to the following web sites:

• Energy and Independence Security Act of 2007:
• Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant provision
• Department of Energy:
• Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants
• U.S. Council of Mayors:
• The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG)
•   ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability

• Economic Funding Update