SECO Administers Millions in Funding for Renewable Energy/Energy Efficiency Projects

As the state works to implement programs funded by the economic stimulus bill, the State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) expects to receive approximately $285 million of stimulus funding for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. SECO has released details of its newly created grant programs for market-ready projects in these arenas.

On July 8, Lisa Elledge, Stimulus Program Manager for SECO, briefed the Technology Business Council's Sustainable Technologies Committee outlining the details for these new programs. SECO's three stimulus-funded programs include the State Energy Program, the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants, and the Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program.

The State Energy Program is a $218 million program designed to provide government entities at the state, local and municipal levels funding for various projects including:

• Building efficiency and retrofitting
• Transportation efficiency such as LEED lights for traffic signals and alternative fuel for municipal vehicles
• Distributed renewable energy technology
• Training centers for green jobs via partnerships between the Texas Workforce Commission and local community colleges
• Public education and outreach

The Department of Energy (DOE) recently approved this program, and the grant application process will begin in August with a request for proposals in the Texas Register.

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants are provided directly to cities whose populations exceed 35,000 people and to counties with less than 200,000 people. Cities and counties that do not qualify for direct allocation may apply to SECO for grants from this program, and more information on how to apply will be available shortly. These block grants will be provided to implement energy efficiency and conservation projects which:

• Decrease fossil fuel emissions
• Decrease energy use for eligible entities
• Increase energy efficiency in transportation and construction projects
• Create and maintain new jobs

Cities applying for direct allocations are required to submit applications by August 10.

In addition, the Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program will provide private consumers with matching grants for installation of new energy saving equipment. The DOE is in the process of establishing guidelines for this program, and more information will be posted in the coming weeks on SECO's website.

The Chamber will continue to offer educational programming and host speakers on important topics like the stimulus bill for the remainder of the year. For more information on the Chamber's Sustainable Technologies Initiative, contact Jane Edson at jedson@dallaschamber.org.

Finally, some helpful links on this issue are provided below.

Link to SECO’s stimulus programs:
http://www.seco.cpa.state.tx.us/arra/

Link to “follow the dollars” coming to Texas from the stimulus bill:
www.window.state.tx.us/recovery/

Jones Day white paper on the stimulus bill:
http://www.jonesday.com/pubs/pubs_detail.aspx?pubID=S6313

Link to presentation by Lisa Elledge of SECO:
http://image.exct.net/lib/ff011679746505/d/1/SECO-FUNDING-UPDATE.pdf