Idaho Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program

The Idaho Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program (Idaho EECBG), administered by the Idaho Governor’s Office of Energy and Mineral Resources (OEMR), provides targeted financial support to rural cities and counties across the state. The program is part of a broader national initiative under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and aims to enhance energy efficiency, promote conservation, and drive local energy resilience. With funding authorized through Title V, Subtitle E of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 and Section 40552 of IIJA, Idaho’s EECBG is designed to help local governments reduce energy costs, strengthen sustainability practices, and foster community well-being. This opportunity marks the second round of Idaho EECBG funding. The initial round funded 11 cities and 3 counties. For Round 2, OEMR anticipates distributing approximately $466,000 through competitive subawards of up to $50,000 each. No cost share or match is required, and pre-award costs are not reimbursable. The program specifically excludes cities and counties that received direct formula funding from the U.S. Department of Energy. Applicants may submit up to two project proposals, each focused on a single activity type such as energy efficiency retrofits, weatherization, workforce development, electric vehicle infrastructure, or clean energy deployment. Projects must be independent—i.e., not reliant on shared contractors or materials across multiple proposals—and must be completed by September 1, 2026. Eligible applicants must submit a completed application package, including required forms such as the application form and a budget worksheet, to OEMR via email by February 4, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. MST. Applications must be signed by an authorized representative and must address every required question or form field. Incomplete applications will be rejected outright. OEMR will first screen submissions for eligibility and completeness. If funding requests do not exceed the total program budget, OEMR may allocate funds directly; otherwise, a Review Committee composed of non-OEMR personnel will evaluate applications. The evaluation process emphasizes energy impact (55% of the score), community benefits (20%), feasibility within the program timeline (20%), and administrative compliance (5%). Applicants are expected to present clear metrics on how projects will improve energy efficiency, serve low-income or energy-burdened populations, and align with federal guidelines. Conditionally awarded projects must undergo review by the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) to assess any impact on historic properties under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. Applicants are encouraged—but not required—to initiate SHPO consultation before applying to avoid project delays or revocation of awards during post-selection review. Additional program compliance requirements include adherence to the Davis-Bacon Act for prevailing wages, Idaho statutes regarding public works, and potential applicability of Build America Buy America (BABA) procurement preferences for projects over $250,000. However, most EECBG subawards will fall below the federal simplified acquisition threshold and thus qualify for a waiver from BABA domestic content provisions. OEMR will issue subawards following an introduction call and final compliance verification. Subrecipients will be required to submit quarterly progress reports, a final completion report, and a reimbursement request form. Technical assistance is available throughout the application period via OEMR, and an informational webinar was held on January 13, 2026. All program materials, reporting forms, and FAQs are accessible through the Idaho EECBG webpage. OEMR strongly advises applicants to thoroughly understand project costs and timeline feasibility before submitting a proposal to ensure successful grant execution.

Highlight community energy needs; ensure metrics and budget clarity; consider SHPO review early.