Illinois EPA announces $1M Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant funded through IIJA
Applications are due February 3rd, 2025
Announcement Type: Notice of Funding Opportunity (this program is accepting applications)
Opportunity: Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program (EECBG)
Overview and Eligible Uses: The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program, funded under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and administered by the Illinois EPA Office of Energy, supports local governments in implementing strategies to reduce fossil fuel emissions, decrease energy use, and enhance energy efficiency across various sectors, including transportation and buildings. Aimed at fostering a clean and equitable energy economy, the program prioritizes disadvantaged communities and workforce inclusion in alignment with the Justice40 Initiative. Projects must deliver sustained energy savings, emission reductions, and equitable workforce and community investment opportunities, encouraging innovative approaches to energy conservation within the program's framework.
EECBG funds may be used for energy audits, building energy assessments, and retrofits of government or nonprofit facilities to improve energy efficiency and grid interactivity. Eligible activities include HVAC upgrades, weather sealing, energy-efficient lighting, water-saving measures, and building electrification such as heat pump installations. Retrofit projects must result in measurable energy savings and focus on existing structures, excluding new construction or non-replacement equipment. The program encourages integrating projects into broader sustainability or climate action plans and leveraging complementary funding sources, such as federal tax incentives and utility efficiency programs.
Amount: Total Funding: $1,072,807; Award Floor: $50,000; Award Ceiling: $250,000
Award Type: Grant
Eligible Applicants:
Location: The project or plan must be located in Illinois.
Applicant Type: The applicant must be a municipality or county government.
Eligibility Exclusion: The applicant must not have received or be in the process of receiving USDOE EECBG Formula Grant or Voucher Funding.
Up-Front Costs: The applicant must be able to provide up-front costs for the project/plan, understanding reimbursement will occur no more frequently than monthly.
Key Dates: Monday February 3rd, 2025
Key Links:
Illinois EPA Opportunity
For a full list of currently available grant programs under the Infrastructure Law and other helpful tools, take a look at our Helpful Resources page.
This tracker will continue to send updates when new funding opportunities are announced.
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