EnvironmentLA

The EECBG is intended to develop, promote, implement, and manage energy efficiency and conservation projects and programs designed to:

• Reduce fossil fuel emissions;
• Reduce the total energy use of eligible entities;
• Improve energy efficiency in the transportation, building, and other appropriate sectors; and
• Create and retain jobs.

Through formula and competitive grants, the EECBG empowers local communities to make strategic investments to meet the nation's long-term goals for energy independence and leadership on climate change.

The Department of Energy (DOE) has listed several desired outcomes of the EECBG Program that can assist implementation, including overall development of administration of state and local programs. They can be used to help evalubate potential programs and projects, as well as understand the factors that affect the success of different activities, programs, and projects. Desired outcomes include:

1. Increased energy efficiency, reduced energy consumption/costs
2. New jobs, increased productivity
3. Market-ready distributed renewable energy technologies
4. Improved air quality, environmental and health indicators
5. Improved coordination of energy-related policies and programs across jurisdictions
6. Increased security, resilinece, reliability of energy generation/transmission infrastructure
7. Leverage all public/private resources
8. Use innovative financial mechanisms to transform markets

 

ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES

DOE has identified various Eligible Activities for the use of program funds.
(ARRA Guidelines, pg. 6-8)

1. Development of an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy: All entities receiving direct formula grants from the DOE are required to submit a proposed strategy for approval. Entities may use part of their grant funds to develop and/or implement the strategy.
2. Technical Consultant Services: Entities may retain technical consultant services to assist in the development of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy, develop methods to measure progress in achieving goals, develop and publish annual reports to the population services describing the strategies, goals and progress.
3. Residential and Commercial Building Energy Audits
4. Financial Incentive Programs: Includes programs and mechanisms for energy efficiency improvements such as energy saving performance contracting, on-bill financing, and revolving loan funds.
5. Energy Efficiency Retrofits: Grants may be made to nonprofit organizations and government agencies for the purpose of retrofitting existing facilities to improve energy efficiency.
6. Energy Efficiency and Conservation Programs for Buildings and Facilities: Includes the design and operation of programs; the identification of the most effective methods for achieving maximum participation and efficiency rates; public education; measurement and verification protocols; and identification of energy efficient technologies.
7. Development and Implementation of Transportation Programs: Includes
   Employee flex time programs
   Promoting use of satellite work centers
   Development and promotion of zoning guidelines or requirements that promote energy efficiency
   Development of infrastructure for bikes and pedestrians
   Synchronizing traffic signals
   State/local/regional planning activities with goal of reducing GHG emissions and VMT
   Incentive programs to reduce commutes
   Improvements in operational efficiency of the transportation system
   Idle reduction technologies and/or facilities to conserve energy, reduce harmful air pollutants, and GHG emissions from freight movement
   Installation of solar panels on interstate rights-of-way to conserve energy in highway operations and maintenance activities
8. Building Codes and Inspections
9. Energy Distribution: Implement distributed energy resource technologies that increase energy efficiency—district heating and cooling systems, combined heat/power systems, cogeneration systems, energy storage systems, and others.
10. Material Conservation Programs: Implement activities to increase participation and efficiency rates for material conservation programs, including source reduction, recycling, and recycled content procurement programs that lead to increases in energy efficiency.
11. Reduction and Capture of Methane and GHG Gases
12. Traffic Signals and Street Lighting
13. Renewable Energy Technologies on Government Buildings
14. Any Other Appropriate Activity: Entities may submit any other appropriate activity for approval in the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy.
15. Other Uses:
    Administrative Expenses: Up to 10% of grant funds may be used for administrative expenses, excluding the cost of meeting the reporting requirements of the Program.
    Revolving Loan Funds: Up to 20% of the grant funds may be used for the establishment of revolving loan funds.
    Subgrants to Non-Governmental Organizations: Up to 20% of the grant funds may be used for the provision of subgrants to non-governmental organizations for the purpose of assisting in the implementation of the EECS.

View the City of LA's Council Report with Program Summaries from 11/13/2009

 

For further information please contact  Craig Tranby at 213.367.2795.