Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant

Over 2,300 state, local, and tribal governments are eligible for direct formula grants from the US DOE. Competitive grants are also available under the program. Governments ineligible for direct formula grants from DOE are still eligible for competitive funds from DOE, and funds from their State Energy Office. The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program (EECBG) provides grants to U.S. local governments, states, territories, and Indian tribes, to fund projects that reduce energy use and fossil fuel emissions, and improve energy efficiency. The way in which these grants are allocated depends on the size of your community.

Are you a “Large” Community or a “Small” Community?

The US Department of Energy has broken municipalities up into two categories: Large Communities and Small Communities. Large Communities will receive direct formula grants from the DOE. The eligibility for Large Communities consists of the following: 

Cities and Counties

• Cities with a population of 35,000 or more
• Counties with a population of 200,000 or more
• The top-ten highest populated cities and counties in each state, regardless of population

Indian Tribes

All federally recognized Indian tribes and any Alaska Native village or regional or village corporation as defined in or established pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act

A breakdown of the Large Communities and their formula grants can be found on this chart.

If your local government is not on this list, you are a “Small” Community and will need to apply to NYSERDA to receive EECBG funds.

Large Community Application Process

Large cities and counties eligible for direct grants must apply directly to the Department of Energy (DOE). A listing of these large cities and their allocations can be found below. 

In order to do business with the Federal government, a three-step registration process is required of all applicants. Please allow 21 days to complete the registration process.

• Step 1: Request a DUNS Number
• Step 2: Register with the Central Contractor Registry (CCR)
• Step 3: E-Business Point of Contact must register in FedConnect

For complete application instructions and program information, a copy of the Funding Opportunity Announcement can be obtained from FedConnect by searching under Reference Number DE-FOA-0000013. Applications must be submitted through FedConnect. If you have problems, email support@fedconnect.net

Applications are being accepted now. The application due date for cities, counties, and Indian tribes eligible for direct formula grants from the DOE has been extended from June 25, 2009 to August 10, 2009.

Small Community Application Process

Small cities and counties not eligible for direct grants (those not listed in the chart) will be able to apply for EECBG funding through a competitive solicitation that NYSERDA will issue this fall.  NYSERDA‘s EECBG Plan that was approved by the U.S. DOE, on September 18, 2009, describes the strategy for distribution of the $29,760,600 that New York is eligible to receive. About 90% of those funds will be used for a sub-grant program that NYSERDA will administer for small communities for eligible EECBG activities.

Eligible uses of this funding include projects such as: energy efficiency retrofits; transportation efficiency measures include synchronization of traffic signals, programs to reduce vehicle miles traveled, and idling reduction technologies; material conservation strategies including recycling and source reduction; energy distribution technologies such as combined heat and power systems; energy efficient street and traffic signal lighting; renewable technologies for local government buildings; and regional planning activities. 

Once the program is developed, NYSERDA will announce the program to the Small Communities, and issue guidance on eligibility criteria and how to apply for funds. Sign-up for updates or frequently check NYSERDA’s economic recovery Web page.

NYSERDA's Plan

NYSERDA’s comprehensive plan has been approved by the U. S. Department of Energy on Friday, September 18, 2009. A copy of the comprehensive application is now available for viewing.

Further NYSERDA Assistance

General Inquiries

Questions related to NYSERDA and The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program (EECBG) can be sent to 1-866-NYSERDA (697-3732) ext. 3412 or by email EconomicRecovery@nyserda.org

Technical Assistance

Technical assistance is available from NYSERDA to help municipalities analyze the opportunities available through the Energy Efficiency Block Grant Program and to develop cost-effective energy reduction strategies. For more information please contact us by phone or email at the number or email address noted above.

17 Columbia Circle, Albany, NY 12203-6399    Toll-Free: 1-866-NYSERDA or Local: 518-862-1090    Fax: 518-862-1091
New York City and Buffalo Regional Offices

© 2004 New York State Energy Research and Development Authority