WV Energy Efficiency Impact Grant

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) offered by the West Virginia Office of Energy (WVOE) is a federally funded subgrant initiative designed to support local governments and nonprofits across the state in enhancing energy efficiency within their owned facilities. Administered under the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) State and Community Energy Program (SCEP), this funding originates from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The program is specifically structured to benefit smaller localities and rural nonprofits that did not receive EECBG funding directly from DOE. It promotes infrastructural improvements aimed at reducing energy usage and supporting sustainable energy practices across communities. The grant initiative focuses on retrofitting existing facilities with energy-efficient upgrades. Permissible activities include insulation installation, HVAC upgrades, energy-efficient lighting installations, weather sealing, the procurement and installation of energy/water-efficient appliances and equipment, and retrofits for pumps, motors, windows, and doors. The program outlines a maximum of 35 grants of up to $37,000 each for local governments and 14 grants of up to $25,000 each for rural-serving nonprofit organizations. Eligibility criteria are clearly defined. Local governments must own the facility and certify that it will remain operational for at least ten years post-retrofit. Similarly, nonprofits must have been in continuous operation for at least five years before applying and present a plan to remain in service for five more years. Like local governments, they must also own the facility being retrofitted. The funding opportunity deliberately excludes those local entities that already received EECBG allocations directly from DOE. A list of such ineligible entities is provided separately on the program’s website. The application process is streamlined for accessibility. Interested parties must consult the grant application guidance, complete the application form (tailored separately for local governments and nonprofits), and submit all materials via email to [email protected]. Applications must be signed by an authorized representative of the applying organization. Though cost sharing is not mandatory, applicants are encouraged to leverage additional funds to enhance the energy outcomes of their projects. This voluntary matching approach aims to stretch federal investments for broader impact. All submissions are due by August 29, 2025. There is no indication of a pre-application stage or mandatory preliminary documentation. Applications are reviewed by WVOE for eligibility and completeness. The site also provides supplementary documents such as budget templates, administrative guidance, and program requirements to aid applicants in preparing their submissions accurately and thoroughly. Applicants may direct questions or seek additional clarification by contacting WVOE via email at [email protected] or by phone at 800-982-3386. The opportunity appears to be a one-time allocation with no evidence of recurring cycles or rolling submissions. Therefore, applicants are advised to meet the deadline and prepare materials well in advance to be considered for this funding round.