Below are new stimulus developments from the Minnesota Office of Energy Secuirty.
September News:
- A Progress Report on ARRA Funds is now available on our website. This report describes barriers to implementation and a status update on the pending programs.
- A residential energy efficiency rebate program called Project ReEnergize is set to launch on October 1. Rebates will be available to homeowners through licensed contractors for qualifying energy efficiency improvements including Energy Star window replacements, advanced attic air sealing, and attic and wall insulation. This program is being offered by the Builders Association of Minnesota through a $3 million grant of State Energy Program ARRA funds.
- Residential energy efficiency rebates will also be available beginning in late October through the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MHFA) to those who qualify for Fix-up Fund loans.
- Details on the Local Government and School District Energy Efficiency cost-share grant program are now available on our website.
- Prevailing wage rates for ARRA-funded weatherization workers have been determined for Minnesota. The last bullet in our August Summary has additional details.
- Our program plan for the Appliance Rebate Program will be submitted to U.S. DOE by October 15. U.S. DOE expects to release program funds by November 30. More details will be released when available on our website.
August Summary:
- The publication called the Stimulus Funding Summary has been updated. This is a summary of stimulus-funded programs for homeowners, businesses and local governments.
- Summaries of Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) proposed projects/programs from some of the U.S. DOE formula-funded cities and counties are now available on our website. Additional summaries will be posted as we continue to receive information from the applicants. This information was submitted to us by the cities and counties that are eligible to receive a formula grant from U.S. DOE directly.
- The competitive grant process through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program will be announced this fall after we receive final approval from U.S. DOE on our program plan. Activities that result in significant near-term energy savings and job creation will be eligible for funds. Full details will be announced when available.
- The Local Government and School District Energy Efficiency program will provide 25% cost-share grants to existing facilities. It is important that applicants have data on their buildings entered into the Minnesota B3 Benchmarking tool prior to the time of application. We expect to make $4-6 million available and plan to issue an RFP this fall after we receive final approval from U.S. DOE on our program plan.
- The Renewable Energy and Ground Source Heat Pump Rebates are pending. We are awaiting Davis Bacon and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) guidance from U.S. DOE.
- The State Energy Program (SEP) Plan has been conditionally approved by the U.S. DOE, but there are pending issues with Davis Bacon and NEPA that need to be resolved before programs can be released to the public.
- A prevailing wage rate for ARRA-funded weatherization workers in Minnesota is likely to be announced soon. Weatherization Assistance Program Service Providers have been weatherizing houses at a record rate using DOE regular and supplemental funding.
More information on the stimulus for energy can be found at http://www.energy.mn.gov. If you have questions, please contact us at [email protected] or 800-657-3710.
