Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program

The Oregon Department of Energy's Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program aims to reduce fossil fuel emissions, decrease overall community energy use, and improve energy efficiency across various sectors including transportation and buildings. This initiative is aligned with a broader mission to build a clean and equitable energy economy, specifically prioritizing disadvantaged communities and promoting equity and inclusion in workforce development and deployment activities. The program seeks to solicit subgrant applications from eligible local governments not already receiving direct EECBG formula grants from the U.S. Department of Energy, through a rolling selection process. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are Oregon units of local government and the communities they serve. The impact goals are centered on environmental sustainability and maximizing benefits to communities. Key objectives include reducing fossil fuel emissions in an environmentally sustainable manner, reducing a community's total energy use, and improving energy efficiency in transportation, buildings, and other sectors. A significant focus is placed on the Justice40 Initiative, ensuring that disadvantaged communities are prioritized in the transition to a clean energy economy. The program prioritizes projects related to energy efficiency, renewable energy, and transportation. The Oregon Department of Energy has approximately $1.2 million available for these grants, with individual grant amounts ranging from a minimum of $50,000 to a maximum of $100,000 for qualifying communities. The strategic priorities are clearly outlined through the objectives, emphasizing a holistic approach to energy conservation and equitable distribution of benefits. Expected outcomes include a measurable reduction in fossil fuel emissions and total energy consumption within participating communities. Improved energy efficiency in various sectors and the creation of equitable workforce opportunities in the clean energy sector are also anticipated. The grant duration for projects is generally 24 months from the date of the Performance Agreement, allowing sufficient time for implementation and completion of the energy-saving initiatives.