Energy Stimulus Update
May 7, 2009
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has provided more information regarding the process for obtaining funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
The Vermont Department of Public Service is working on federal applications for the State Energy Program and the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant, to meet the following submission deadlines:
- State Energy Program - Vermont's application for the estimated $21,999,000 in funding for renewable energy and energy efficiency program is due to be submitted to the DOE by May 12, 2009. Once the application has been approved and the Vermont Legislature provides statutory language authorizing the use of ARRA energy funds, the state should be able to access up to 50% of the funds; the remaining 50% will be available when Vermont demonstrates we are obligating the funds in accordance with DOE regulations. Because there are more requests for funds than the federal government has granted us, we anticipate using a competitive process to identify the best renewable energy and energy efficiency proposals. Finally, the Department of Public Service plans to continue to work to obligate 50% of federal funds received, by June 17, 2009. We will post information regarding how you may apply for ARRA funds on this webpage as soon as it is available.
- Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant - This formula grant program allocated Vermont approximately $10,300,000 in block grant funding for a variety of efficiency and renewable energy initiatives, outlined in the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007. Approximately $9.5 million will come through the state, and the rest directly to Vermont cities and towns. Of this $9.5 million, 40% ($3.8 million) to the is allocated by the DOE to the State Energy Program and 60% ($5.7 million) is allocated to cities and towns not receiving a direct allocation from DOE. We anticipate this will be awarded through an upcoming competitive application process. The Department of Public Service plans to submit an application to the DOE for the funds coming to the state by May 26, 2009, with a goal of obligating 50% of the federal funds received, by June 17, 2009. Some of the money has been directly allocated by DOE to the ten highest-population towns:
|
Municipality
|
Amount
|
|
Bennington
|
$57,900
|
|
Brattleboro
|
$56,100
|
|
Burlington
|
$180,200
|
|
Colchester
|
$71,200
|
|
Essex
|
$50,000
|
|
Essex Junction
|
$50,000
|
|
Hartford
|
$50,000
|
|
Milton
|
$50,000
|
|
Rutland
|
$78,900
|
|
South Burlington
|
$85,500
|
We will post information regarding how you may apply for ARRA funds on this webpage as soon as it is available.
Jurisdictions that will receive an allocation need to file an application with the DOE by June 25, 2009. For more information, please visit www.fedconnect.net, or call 1-800-899-6665.
In the meantime, if you need information on existing loan and grant programs for new energy generation, please visit the Vermont Department of Public Service website at: http://publicservice.vermont.gov/energy-efficiency/energy-efficiency.html
If you are a consumer and seek information regarding home or business efficiency programs, please contact Efficiency Vermont at 802-860-4095, or call toll-free 1-888-921-5990, or visit their website at www.efficiencyvermont.com.
Background Materials--Other ARRA Energy Programs
Energy Provisions in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (P.L. 111-5), Congressional Research Service, March 3, 2009. (PDF)
