Deadline Approaching for Counties to Accept Energy Efficiency Grant Funding

Counties have only until Nov. 6 (postmark date) to let the State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) know whether they will accept funding for energy efficiency improvements in their communities. The Comptroller of Public Accounts recently notified the 244 non-entitlement counties (those that did not receive a direct allocation from the federal government) of their eligibility to receive funding through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program (EECBG). The allocation awards range from $20,000 to $150,000 per county, depending on population.

Key Deadlines
Nov. 6:	Eligible counties must submit to SECO their Notification of Intent to accept EECBG funding.
Nov. 22:	Eligible counties must pass and submit an official resolution accepting the EECBG funding.
Note:	A Notification of Intent Form and a sample resolution are included in the information packet counties received from the Office of the Comptroller.

“We want to help cities and counties explore options to get long-term benefits of conserving energy and reducing emissions while saving their taxpayers money by cutting energy costs,” explained Comptroller Susan Combs.

Eligible uses of the funds include the following: building energy audits and retrofits; installation of energy-efficient traffic signals and street lighting; and installation of renewable energy technologies on government buildings, among other activities. Funding, for example, may be used for projects such as upgrades to an air conditioning system or lighting to improve energy efficiency. There is no matching requirement, and communities may use up to 7 percent of their allocated funding for administrative costs.

“Small cities and counties don’t have to bid for these grants. The money is already allocated to them if they choose to use it,” Combs said.

Additionally, counties must pass and submit an official resolution accepting the funds by Nov. 22. The Comptroller of Public Accounts/SECO has sent all eligible counties informational packets regarding the program, including a sample resolution, a Notification of Intent Form to accept EECBG funding, a table of eligible activities that counties can undertake quickly and cost effectively, details regarding the reporting requirements, and various other forms to help counties through the funding acceptance process.

“We want to make sure every eligible city and county gets to use these grants and we’ll provide as much help as possible,” Combs said.

The comptroller’s office has staff available to assist counties with questions about the program. Counties can contact the Office of the Comptroller at (800) 531-5441, ext. 3-7392 for additional information or technical assistance. Counties may also visit the SECO Web site for program details, including information regarding their specific allocation awards.

For more information, please contact TAC Legislative Counse Laura Garcia, (800) 456-5974.