July 19, 2002—The Department of Energy (DOE) will provide $12,608,524 to 47 states and three territories for 138 energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. The department is providing the funding through its State Energy Program Special Projects competitive grants.
An example of a funded project is the Rebuild America Program, which has formed more than 450 voluntary community partnerships to improve the energy efficiency of existing buildings. Rebuild America partnerships are saving school districts, businesses and public agencies up to 30 percent annually on energy bills.
State energy offices will use these funds to improve the energy efficiency of schools, homes and other buildings; promote energy-efficient industrial technologies; and support renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, geothermal and biomass.
Some projects will identify opportunities for distributed energy resources, that generate electricity at or near the point of use.
States, territories and the District of Columbia competed for these DOE awards. The awards provide specialized funding in addition to annual “formula” grants given to each state energy office. South Dakota, Oklahoma and the Northern Mariana Islands did not submit applications. DOE anticipates making the awards in July and August.
For more details, as well as award category summaries, contact the DOE.
