US DOE Grants USD 12.6M to Support Local Energy Efficiency Initiatives

The US Department of Energy (DOE) has announced its latest round of awards under the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program, a part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda.

The EECBG Program will distribute USD 12.62 million to 32 local governments, two states, and one Tribe to improve energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and lower overall energy use. Funded by US President Joe Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and managed by DOE’s Office of State and Community Energy Programs, the EECBG program makes formula grants to States, territories, the District of Columbia, and eligible Tribal and local governments.

The program funding is highly flexible. The recipients may apply it to 14 eligible categories of clean energy projects and programs that will help them reduce energy consumption, promote energy efficiency, and advance environmental justice. 

“Through the investments from the EECBG Program, the Biden-Harris Administration is equipping local communities with the resources to lead our nation’s clean energy transition.” said US Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “These contributions are not just about cutting emissions – they’re about creating a healthier, more resilient country for all future generations to come,” added Granholm.

This is the eighth tranche of formula awards from the EECBG Program. Since DOE announced the first awards in October 2023, the program has awarded nearly USD 162 million to 210 communities. 

Grantees will use these latest EECBG Program awards to conduct energy assessments and efficiency upgrades for low-income households, install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, purchase alternative fuel vehicles for municipal use, launch solarization campaigns, improve bicycle infrastructure and other activities.

This program advances the Biden-Harris Administration’s Justice40 Initiative, which sets the goal that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal climate, clean energy, and other investments flow to disadvantaged communities marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.