Washington State Department of Commerce announces Energy Efficiency Grant Program

The Washington State Department of Commerce is offering a grant program to fund retrofitting existing facilities and related projects that aim to achieve energy and operational cost savings. The program is specifically designed to support public entities in Washington State. While the document does not explicitly state the Department of Commerce's broader mission or theory of change, it can be inferred that this grant aligns with a strategic priority to promote energy efficiency, reduce operational costs for public infrastructure, and contribute to environmental sustainability within the state. The program seeks to empower public agencies to invest in critical upgrades that benefit both their operational budgets and the broader community through reduced energy consumption. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are public entities within Washington State. This includes local agencies such as cities, towns, counties, special districts, municipal corporations, port districts, and authorities. Additionally, public higher education institutions, K-12 public school districts, state agencies, and federally-recognized tribes located within Washington are eligible to apply. The overarching impact goal is to enhance the energy efficiency of public facilities across the state, leading to long-term operational cost savings and a reduced environmental footprint. By investing in these entities, the program aims to create more sustainable and fiscally responsible public infrastructure. The grant program prioritizes a range of eligible activities focused on improving facility energy efficiency. These include, but are not limited to, HVAC replacement or upgrades, improvements to other mechanical systems, lighting enhancements, insulation upgrades, window replacements, and the purchase and installation of heat pump and geothermal heating systems. The program also supports broader campus or district energy efficiency measures. These priorities directly address the core objective of achieving significant energy and operational cost savings through tangible infrastructure improvements. The focus is on implementing proven technologies and strategies that yield measurable reductions in energy consumption. Expected outcomes of this grant program include a noticeable reduction in energy consumption and associated operational costs for public facilities throughout Washington State. Measurable results would likely include documented energy savings (e.g., kilowatt-hours saved, therms saved), reduced utility expenses, and potentially a decrease in carbon emissions. While specific metrics are not detailed in the provided text, the emphasis on "energy and operational cost savings" suggests a clear intention for quantifiable improvements. The grant's increased cap to $1 million, with a minimum project size of $100,000, indicates a commitment to funding substantial projects that can deliver significant and lasting impacts across the state's public infrastructure.