ECD Accepting Applications for New Round of Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants Beginning Oct. 17
$1 Million Available for Communities to Make Energy Improvements
NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development today announced applications for a third round of Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants (EECBG) will be accepted beginning on Oct. 17. The department has previously awarded $12.1 million in grants to 135 communities throughout the state to implement energy efficient projects.
“The EECBG grants have allowed us to work with communities across the state in their efforts to become more energy efficient,” said Molly Cripps, director, Energy Division, ECD. “These efforts will not only benefit our state environmentally but also provide jobs for Tennesseans.”
The grants will be used to fund a variety of energy efficiency and conservation programs in the local communities, including retrofits to lighting and HVAC systems, as well as the installation of renewable energy systems.
The application for the EECBG grants can be found here. Applications will be accepted by the department starting on Oct. 17 and will be scored on the local government’s overall conservation strategy, project feasibility, readiness to proceed, community impact, partnerships and the ability to extend funding impact beyond a one-time use. Applications will be accepted and scored on a first-come, first-served basis until the funds are depleted. Previous recipients of the EECBG grants are not eligible.
The EECBG program is projected to cumulatively produce more than 92 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy savings annually, resulting in an estimated cost-savings of $8 million per year for Tennessee communities. In addition, approximately 149 jobs will be created by the more than 140 grants awarded. The EECBG program is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, through the Department of Energy, Award Number DE-EE0000958.
For more information on the EECBG program in Tennessee, visit http://www.tn.gov/ecd/recovery/eecbg.html.
About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to create higher skilled, better paying jobs for all Tennesseans. The department seeks to attract new corporate investment in Tennessee and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. To find out more, go to www.tn.gov/ecd.
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Contact: Valerie Somerville, ECD
Office: (615) 532-1925
Email: valerie.somerville@tn.gov