The Arizona Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program, issued by the Office of Resiliency (OOR), aims to empower eligible local governments in Arizona to develop and implement strategies that reduce fossil fuel emissions, decrease total energy use, and improve energy efficiency across transportation, building, and other sectors. A core mission alignment for this grant is to build a clean and equitable energy economy, with a specific focus on prioritizing disadvantaged communities and promoting equity and inclusion in workforce opportunities and deployment activities, consistent with the Justice40 Initiative. This program is funded by approximately $2 million in federal grant funds from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of State and Community Energy Programs for EECBG, with an anticipated $1,241,480 available for awards to local governments ineligible for direct formula funding.
The target beneficiaries of this grant are eligible local governments within Arizona, which will then implement programs and projects impacting their respective communities. The overarching impact goals are a significant reduction in fossil fuel emissions, a decrease in the overall energy consumption of eligible entities, and a marked improvement in energy efficiency across various sectors. These efforts are expected to foster environmentally sustainable practices, maximize benefits for local and regional communities, and contribute to a more equitable energy future by focusing on disadvantaged communities.
The program's priorities and focuses are broadly categorized into several eligible activity areas. These include the development and implementation of comprehensive energy efficiency and conservation strategies, retaining technical consultants for strategy development and progress measurement, conducting residential and commercial building energy audits, and performing energy efficiency retrofits on equipment and buildings. Other key areas involve developing and implementing energy conservation programs for transportation, promoting building energy efficiency through codes and inspection services, and utilizing technologies to reduce methane and greenhouse gas emissions from landfills. Furthermore, the replacement of traditional traffic signals, street lighting, and signs with energy-efficient technologies, and the installation of onsite renewable energy technology on government buildings, are also prioritized activities.
Expected outcomes include measurable energy savings (e.g., kwh/BTUs) from retrofits, increased adoption of energy-efficient building codes, and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The grant encourages, though does not require, a match, signaling a strategic priority for collaborative and committed projects. The theory of change underpinning this program is that by providing funding and encouraging strategic planning and implementation at the local government level, Arizona can effectively transition towards a cleaner, more energy-efficient, and equitable energy landscape. This involves direct action through various activity areas, ultimately leading to tangible reductions in energy consumption and emissions, and fostering sustainable community development. The grant size ranges from a minimum of $50,000 to a maximum of $100,000 per applicant, with only one application permitted per eligible entity.
