EnvironmentLA

Q:  What are the EECBG and EECS?
A:  The EECBG is the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant administered by the Federal Government that is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.  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 that create and retain jobs.  The City of Los Angeles was allocated $37,017,900. 
The EECS is the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy.  An EECS is required under Department of Energy (DOE) guidelines for entities receiving formula allocation.  The City of Los Angeles requested an initial $250,000 from DOE to prepare the EECS to set forth the City’s energy efficiency policies and programs, and to guide the expenditure of the City’s $37 million allocation. The EECS was submitted on November 23, 2009 to the DOE.
View the EECS Council Report with Program Summaries
View the Council File

Q:  What entities are eligible for funding?
A:  The City is eligible.  Other entities are not able to apply directly for funding, but can potentially access programs the City creates from the funds.

 

Q:  Has the City determined the breakdown of how much of the grant will be used for specific programs?
A:  The City has submitted an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy (EECS) to the Department of Energy for approval. A working group for Energy and Environment was developed, led by the Mayor's office and Council staff. Program and project ideas were solicited from this group to meet the objectives and eligibility criteria established by DOE for the EECBG program. In addition, Council asked EAD to implement a public outreach process to solicit program ideas from other stakeholders in the City.   Once programs are determined, there will be additional outreach to the public.   

 

Q:  What were the results of the public survey?
A:  Members of the public were encouraged to provide comments via survey at the eight public meetings and online at www.EnvironmentLA.org. EAD received 146 survey responses online and 49responses at the public meetings for a total of 195 responses. EAD also received many questions about the EECS and EECBG at meetings, on e-mail and via telephone calls. EAD staff also met with several additional interested groups to discuss funding priorities and ideas.View the Public Outreach results in graphical or summarized format.

 

Q:  Will the EECBG fund entirely new programs or will funding also go to continue or expand existing programs?
A:  Funding can also go to the expansion of existing programs.

 

Q:  Small businesses and homeowners need help to become LEED compliant.  Can the EECBG subsidize these types of projects?
A:  Yes, energy efficiency financing is an eligible activity under the EEBCG.  This and related programs were submitted in the EECS.

 

Q:  Will City facility energy efficiency projects be funded through the EECBG?
A:  We will be considering City facilities as part of the EECBG to meet goals such as job creation, energy efficiency,  kilowatt hours reduced, and demonstration of new strategies/technologies.

 

Q:  How is the City coordinating with council controlled departments and proprietary departments?
A:  We’ve established a working group of departments, which offers an opportunity to consolidate various City policies into one document by looking at ordinances, City documents and energy plans to make a comprehensive EECS.  We are working closely with DWP and The General Services Department and looking at the impact different programs will have on the public.  The working group will meet periodically. 

 

Q:  How will the projects be distributed throughout the City?
A:  Programs will be designed for broad geographic access throughout the City.

 

Q:  When will the programs be implemented?
A:  More information coming soon...

 

For further information please contact  Craig Tranby at 213.367.2795.

 

You may also view the Department of Energy's FAQ's here.