US DOE to Distribute $18 Million for Community Clean Energy Projects

The United States Department of Energy (DOE) will distribute over $17.7 million to 61 local and territorial governments through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program. The DOE said in a media release that the funds will be used to improve energy efficiency, reduce climate pollution, and lower overall energy use.

The EECBG, managed by the DOE’s Office of State and Community Energy Programs (SCEP), is designed to fund a wide range of energy efficiency and decarbonization projects, the DOE said.

“The EECBG Program recognizes that climate solutions are not one-size-fits-all and provides localities with the tools needed to increase access to clean energy and boost energy resilience through community-led initiatives”, said Energy Secretary Jennifer M. Granholm.

This is the tenth tranche of formula awards granted to EECBG Program-eligible entities. Since the first awards were announced in October 2023, 294 communities have benefited from the program. For example, the City of Livermore, California, was the first to use an EECBG Program Voucher to build an off-grid, solar EV charger that doubles as emergency lighting during extreme weather events, the DOE said.  

DuPage County, Illinois, has installed lighting that will reduce energy consumption by 50 percent and completed a clean energy workforce analysis that will contribute to developing new, good-quality jobs for the community.

The DOE said it provides comprehensive technical assistance to EECBG Program grantees, including detailed guides and peer-to-peer learning opportunities through Blueprint Cohorts. These resources support the implementation of high-impact clean energy and energy efficiency projects.

The funded projects will address a range of energy efficiency and clean energy initiatives, including developing net-zero building plans, expanding recycling programs, launching residential energy efficiency rebates, improving pedestrian infrastructure, upgrading lighting systems, and electrifying municipal fleets.

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