Energy Money/ARRA Vermont

Energy
Energy Stimulus Update – August 31, 2009

Weatherization

Vermont will receive approximately $16.8 million over a 3 year period. Funding will go to program activities including weatherization job training and grants to Community Action Program agencies to deliver weatherization services in the community. For more information about the Weatherization program, see information from the Office of Economic Opportunity.

State Energy Program (SEP)
Vermont is to receive $21,999,000 in ARRA funding for renewable energy and energy efficiency under the State Energy Program of the U.S. Department of Energy. These funds will expand the size and scope of the Vermont Clean Energy Development Fund (CEDF). State program development and implementation is now underway in the following areas.

Renewable Energy Grant and Loan Programs
ARRA SEP funding will create additional grant and loan funding opportunities for small- and large-scale renewable energy projects through the Clean Energy Development Fund. Funding opportunity announcements for grants and loan programs administered directly by the Fund will be posted through the Fund's site. Other supported renewable energy activites include:
• The Vermont Small-Scale Renewable Energy Incentive Program, which provides incentive payments for grid connected and net metered solar photovoltaic and wind systems, solar hot water systems, and small-scale hydropower systems.
• Planned support for loans from independent lenders for small-scale renewable energy projects.
• A Wind Mapping and Anemometry Loan Program. Requests for proposals are expected to be issued in Sept. 2009.

Public Serving Institutions Efficiency & Renewables
The CEDF will offer a competitive program for public-serving institutions (government buildings, nonprofit public and private universities, colleges, and hospitals) to implement energy efficiency measures and renewable generation. $2,000,000 in funding will be available through this program. A request for funding proposals is currently expected to be released in September 2009.

Vermont Telecommunications Authority
$2,000,000 in funding has been appropriated to the Vermont Telecommunications Authority (VTA) to make grants for the installation of small-scale wind turbines and associated towers on which telecommunications equipment is to be collocated and which are developed in association with the VTA, up to $10,000 per turbine.

Vermont Housing and Conservation Board
$2,000,000 in funding has been appropriated to the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board (VHCB) to make grants and deferred loans to nonprofit organizations for weatherization and renewable energy activities, including assistance for nonprofit owners and occupants of permanently affordable housing. Applications for funding under this program will be made through VHCB.

Residential Building Energy Standards
SEP funding will support work to update Vermont's Residential Building Energy Standards (RBES).

Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants (EECBG)

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 $9.8 million will come through the state and the rest directly to Vermont cities and towns. Of this $9.8 million, 40% ($3.9 million) is allocated by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to the State Energy Program and 60% ($5.7 million) is allocated to cities and towns not receiving a direct allocation from DOE. The Department of Public Service has submitted an application to the DOE on behalf of the state for the funds coming to the state, and an award is expected during or before the fall of 2009.


Additional EECBG Funding Opportunities for Vermont Cities, Towns, and Regional Planning Commissions

A competitive request for proposals from Vermont municipalities which did not receive EECBG funding to the Clean Energy Development Board is currently expected in September 2009. Available funding will be approximately $4.88 million. $880,000 in funding for Vermont's eleven regional planning commissions has also been allocated.

All Fuels and Thermal Efficiency Programs
Approximately $2.3 million in EECBG funding will be provided to local Community Action Program agencies to expand access to thermal efficiency services for Vermonters not eligible for services under the Weatherization program funding. See your local Weatherization Office for eligibility information.

Renewable Energy Programs
Additional EECBG funding not distributed to municipalities will be used to fund additional opportunities for renewable energy projects through the Clean Energy Development Fund programs.

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)

Other Links: U.S. Department of Energy ARRA Funding Opportunity Announcements.
Non-ARRA Energy Efficiency and Renewables Program

If you need information on existing loan and grant programs for new energy generation, please visit the Vermont Department of Public Service's Energy Efficiency and Renewables website.

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.