| ARRA Funding Opportunities |
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| State Energy Program |
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The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 directs states to focus State Energy Program (SEP) funding on energy efficiency and renewable energy. The Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) reviewed nearly 350 applications and awarded $22.7 million for public building energy projects as of March 2010.
Award winners
Round 1 - 22 awards to energy efficiency projects in K-12 schools - $500,000.
Round 2 - 21 awards to Eastern Oregon projects - $1.3 million
Round 3 - 95 awards statewide - $7.25 million
Round 4 - 6 awards statewide - $1.5 million
Round 5 - 18 awards for renewable energy projects statewide - $6 million
Round 6 - 40 awards for lighting-only projects statewide - $6.3 million
Round 7 - 3 biomass and 16 industrial awards statewide - $5 million
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| Formula: Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant Program |
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The ARRA Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) funds provided to the Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) will be used to fund projects that reduce fossil fuel emissions in a manner that is environmentally sustainable and maximizes benefits for local and regional communities; reduce total energy use; increase the use of renewable energy sources; and improve energy efficiency in the building, transportation, commercial, institutional and public sectors.
ODOE will encourage new and innovative approaches, and will use funds in a cost-effective manner to maximize benefits to the populations served by eligible local government entities, and in a manner that will yield continuous benefits over time to achieve energy and emission reductions.
We received award approval from US DOE on September 29, 2009.
EECBG Award Recipients - Round 1
EECBG Award Recipients - Round 2
ODOE Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Proposal to USDOE
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| Competitive: Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant Program |
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The US Department of Energy has announced a Funding Opportunity Block Grant as part of the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA). This federal competitive grant (different than the formula Block Grant) will provide Oregon with the opportunity to do statewide scalable energy project financing pilot programs.
The deadline for submitting an application has passed.
The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Competitive funding will assist in the implementation of 2009 legislation HB 2626. This legislation, referred to as the Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Technology Act of 2009 (EEAST), provides Oregon with innovative financial tools for investment in energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Homeowners and small commercial business owners who invest in energy projects can repay their energy loan via their utility bill with the savings they realize in reduced energy use. A second financial tool will allow homeowners or business owners to repay their energy loan with repayment through a local improvement district or other public entity through their property assessment.
If you have questions regarding the funding grant, please contact Dan Elliott at (503) 373-2123.
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| State Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program |
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The US Department of Energy awarded the Oregon Department of Energy with $3.6 million of federal stimulus funds from the State Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate. On January 1, 2010, the Department began to provide eligible low-income Oregon homeowners with a 70 percent reimbursement (up to $2,000) for ENERGY STAR heat pumps and furnaces purchases on or after January 1, 2010.
Eligible Oregonians are those who own their home and earn less than 60 percent of the state’s median income levels (see link below). The Department is partnering with the Oregon Department of Housing and Community Services which is providing an additional assistance benefit for those in crisis situations.
Effective July 1, 2010, the appliance program has been expanded to include eligible homeowners who purchase ENERGY STAR water heaters, refrigerators, dishwashers and clothes washers. Purchases must be dated on or after July 1, 2010.
Available rebates will be distributed on a “first-come, first-served” basis. Interested Oregon homeowners can contact OHCS 1-800-453-5511 (option 2, selection 4) to learn about the program and apply for a rebate voucher. After purchase and installation of eligible ENERGY STAR appliances, qualified homeowners may redeem vouchers for 70 percent of the purchase price, up to a specified maximum. Old appliances must be legally recycled (not re-sold or re-used) in order to receive rebate funds.
In emergency or no-heat situations, homeowners may qualify for additional assistance through their local Community Action Agency (see list below).
For more information, see www.ohcs.state.or, call 1-800-453-5511 (option 2, selection 4) or e-mail appliancerebate@hcs.state.or.us.
For rebate vouchers for ENERGY STAR:
Furnace – 70% up to $2,000
Heat pump – 70% up to $2,000
Refrigerators – 70% up to $700
Electric heat pump water heater – 70% up to $1,400
Gas tankless water heater – 70% up to $1,200
Gas storage water heater – 70% up to $1,400
Dishwashers - 70% up to $400
Clothes washers – 70% up to $800
Fact Sheet
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| Energy Assurance Planning |
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ODOE's application has been approved by US DOE under this funding opportunity.
US DOE's acceptance of ODOE's proposal
Oregon’s approach to this funding opportunity leverages the combined capabilities of the Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE), the Oregon Public Utility Commission (OPUC) and the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI).
OPUC will focus on the risk of a catastrophic seismic event impacting the critical energy infrastructure hub along the Willamette River in northwest Portland and other areas. ODOE will identify opportunities to improve energy resilience through the design and integration of distributed renewable energy investments into the existing energy network. The study will consider how new technology, including renewable energy sources, can provide local energy generation to communities, and emergency service providers, during energy emergencies when their network supply may be disrupted.
Exercises of the revised Oregon Energy Emergency Response Plan will include developing earthquake scenarios and determining likely impacts and damages to better identify vulnerability and mitigation options. After each exercise participants will incorporate lessons learned into the Oregon Energy Emergency Response Plan.
The Oregon Department of Energy has selected R.W. Beck, Inc. to complete this study.
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| Contact Information |
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For general or process questions or news media inquiries relating to any of the funding opportunities listed on this page, contact Ann Grim at (503) 378-4912 or by e-mail at ann.grim@state.or.us.
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