Below are new stimulus developments from the Minnesota Office of Energy Secuirty.
August News:
- Summaries of Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) applications from Minneapolis, St. Paul, St. Louis Park and Carver, Ramsey and Wright Counties are now available on our website. Ten Minnesota counties and twenty-three cities are eligible to receive an EECBG formula grant directly from U.S. DOE. We will post additional summaries as we receive them.
- OES will offer $10.6 million in competitive EECBG grants to cities, counties and townships that are not eligible for direct funding from USDOE. The Minnesota Competitive EECBG Program will be announced this fall after we receive final approval of our program plan from U.S. DOE. Activities that result in significant near-term energy savings and job creation will be eligible for funding. Full details will be announced in late September or early October.
- Cities, counties, townships and school districts will be eligible to compete for 25% cost-share grants under the Local Government and School District Energy Efficiency Program for existing facilities. We expect to make $4 to 6 million available this fall after approval of our program plan by U.S. DOE. Applicants must have data on their buildings entered into the Minnesota B3 Benchmarking tool prior to the time of application.
- U.S. Department of Labor prevailing wage rates for weatherization workers in Minnesota will likely to be announced soon. Weatherization Assistance Program Service Providers have been weatherizing houses at a record rate using DOE regular and supplemental funding.
July Summary:
- The Emerging Renewable Energy Industries Grant Program is planned for release in late August 2009. Details will be announced when available.
- The Residential Energy Efficiency Grant Program is planned for release on September 15, 2009. Details will be announced when available.
- The Minnesota Solar Electric Rebate Program has officially launched. An initial installment of $400,000 has been allocated for this program.
- Weatherization Service Providers will begin production work as soon as guidance on prevailing wages from U.S. DOE and U.S. Department of Labor is available/is announced. This will include hiring workers and purchasing equipment.
