Breaking News: DOE Extends Application Deadline for EECBG

ICLEI USA
June 29, 2009

The U.S. Department of Energy has extended the application deadline for direct formula funding through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program. The original deadline was June 25, but now late applications for direct formula funds will be accepted until August 10, 2009, at 8 p.m. Eastern. Full details can be found at http://www.eecbg.energy.gov/.,

Takeaways for Local Governments

1) The extension will not affect those local governments that submitted by the original June 25 deadline. DOE is committed to processing those applications as quickly as possible and disbursing funding accordingly. DOE expects to process the 1,800 applications it received within 60 to 90 days, at which time they will be able to make awards official to local government applicants.

2) DOE and ICLEI continue to encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to ensure that you receive your allocation as soon as possible. If you need help producing your application or developing an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy (EECS), turn to ICLEI's Enhanced Services program for expert help at minimal cost.

State Funding for Smaller Local Governments

In the meantime, smaller local governments are awaiting word from their state energy offices about the EECBG funding available to them. Under the EECBG program, states have to make 60 percent of the EECBG funding they receive available to these smaller ("non-eligible") local governments but also have some discretion in what sorts of activities will be eligible for funding. 

EECBG Competitive Funding

Later this year, DOE will release two more funding opportunity announcements under the EECBG program. One will be for $400 million and is available to any local government in the United States. The second will be for $55 million and available only to local governments that did not receive formula funding through the EECBG program. At ICLEI's Local Climate Leadership Summit in May, DOE indicated that these would be released at the same time, though there are no details on when nor what activities would be eligible for funding.