Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program (EECBG)
Federal Agency
Sub-Department
Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE)
Purpose
To directly invest in or provide technical assistance vouchers for projects that develop, promote, implement, and manage energy efficiency and conservation, including clean energy.
Applicant and/or Project Eligibility Requirements
Cities, towns and villages with a population of at least 35,000 are eligible for this formula funding; at a minimum, the ten largest cities in each state, including Puerto Rico, regardless of population, are eligible to apply; all other cities, villages, and towns can apply for EECBG funds or technical assistance through their state.
Decarbonization Considerations
Consider using funds to enhance or enable innovative energy financing strategies that spread project costs out over time or capture additional incentives. These may be more complex, but can often extend the impact - bill savings and energy savings were at least 2X higher in the original EECBG program than other efforts when EECBG funds were utilized for more ambitious and/or "complex" financial incentive programs.
Equity Considerations
EECBG can help provide technical assistance to assist disadvantaged communities who lack the capacity or resources to put forward competitive applications.
Helpful Tips
As an alternative to traditional grants, DOE will providing Local and Tribal governments with the option to apply for vouchers to receive technical assistance and/or equipment rebates. Vouchers provide a streamlined application process with fewer administrative requirements and allow Local and Tribal governments to take advantage of customized technical expertise or get reimbursed for eligible equipment. Eligible entities may choose to use a voucher or a grant, but not both. Voucher applicants do NOT need to follow the grant application process. More information about voucher applications has been released! See the EECBG Program Formula Grant Application Hub for the Voucher Handbook and Voucher Application Templates. For more information on the Biden Administration's current approach for EECBG, see this October 2023 announcement: https://www.energy.gov/articles/biden-harris-administration-announces-30-million-clean-energy-funding-28-state-local-and
Other Notes
For additional information on past program use, how EECBG funding was used to accelerate partners, and case studies, check out: http://www.usmayors.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/0227-report-eecbgsurvey.pdf