Press Releases

ANNOUNCEMENT

DOE Webinar Scheduled For Thursday, February 4th

On Thursday, February 4th at 3pm EDT, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will host a webinar on “The Community Energy Challenge in Whatcom County, Washington”. This program models creative uses of funding (including ARRA funds) and local partnerships to create a full-service retrofit program for businesses and residents. The Community Energy Challenge is being coordinated by two non-profits functioning as a “one stop shop” for energy efficiency services. Sustainable Connections will launch a community-based social marketing campaign to inspire participation and will aggregate demand for energy efficiency services among their 650+ small business members. The Opportunity Council will leverage their 25+ years experience implementing the low income weatherization program to provide audits, assistance with rebates and incentives, contractor training and scheduling, and project quality control to the non-low income residential housing market. Both commercial and residential programs will take advantage of a loan program seeded by EECBG and SEP funds, which leverages significant private investment.

This session features:

• An example of leveraging ARRA funds to attract private capital
• Tips for attracting the participation of both small businesses and home owners
• How to work with local non-profits and other partners to offer a full-service retrofit program

Presenters:

• Shawn Collins, Opportunity Council
• Jessica Geenen, Puget Sound Energy
• Alex Ramel, Sustainable Connections
• Allison Spector, Cascade Natural Gas
• Tara Sundin, City of Bellingham

Please join us for:
The Community Energy Challenge in Whatcom County, Washington
Thursday, February 4 at 3:00-4:15pm EDT

Registration

After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Thank you,
Weatherization and Intergovernmental Program

United States Department of Energy

NEWS RELEASE

Federal Dollars Fuel Local Efficiency: Cities Ready to Lead

Washington, D.C. (December 23, 2009): In a new report released today, ACEEE presented profiles of over 40 municipal energy efficiency programs as a guide for cities and counties preparing to implement federally-funded energy efficiency and conservation plans.

"The passage of the ARRA economic stimulus package was the largest single investment in energy efficiency to date, and the first time federal money has been directed specifically to municipal energy efficiency efforts," said ACEEE policy researcher Michael Sciortino, referring to the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). "It is essential that local governments use proven program models like those featured in this report to ensure success."

Cities and counties have long been active developers of successful energy efficiency programs, and with the release of EECBG funds, local governments are poised to further their critical role. ACEEE's new report, Energy Efficiency Program Options for Local Governments under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 examines a number of innovative energy efficiency programs implemented by American towns and cities prior to the passage of ARRA. The EECBG program will dispense more than 3 billion dollars to cities and states, creating jobs while improving U.S. energy efficiency through a variety of initiatives, including building retrofits, incentives, and audit programs. Some block grant recipients have already received funding to execute their chosen "shovel-ready" projects; however, many cities and towns are still waiting to put project plans into action.

"The EECBG program is an opportunity for all municipalities to become leaders in energy efficiency," said Sarah Black, report lead author. "This report provides concrete examples of how American towns and cities can take action now to launch innovative and meaningful programs that save energy and create jobs."

Full Report>>

NEWS RELEASE

Glendale Water & Power to Launch Energy Conservation Program for Kids

Glendale Water & Power (GWP) will soon debut Green Allowance, a new web-based service that gives kids the tools and motivation to champion energy conservation and help them actually earn a Green Allowance. The free program is being developed through an agreement between the Southern California Public Power Authority (SCPPA) and Green Allowance LLC in New York. The program includes an innovative and kid-friendly website, www.greenallowance.com, which provides practical ideas and customized assignments for kids -- showing how they can save energy and, in turn, save money. Kids are encouraged to make a deal with their parents to share the savings on their electric bill – savings that are calculated and programmed to show up on their home computers every billing cycle. The Green Allowance program website is scheduled to be launched this month. See the demonstration website at www.greenallowance.com.

DOE is now accepting applications for up to $454 million in EECBG competitive grants. The competitive grants Funding Opportunity Announcement was issued on October 19, 2009 and applications will be accepted through Grants.gov until December 14, 2009. Awards will be made in two topics areas: (1) The Retrofit Ramp-up Program and (2) General Innovation Fund for Ineligible Entities.