The first part of our South Carolina competitive Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (SC EECBG) Project Think Tank Webinar Series was held on October 24, 2023. We were joined by panelists from three local governments around the state. They shared just a few of the many different types of projects eligible for funding through South Carolina’s Competitive EECBG Program. View the webinar agenda here (PDF). View the recording here. View the presentation slides here (PDF).
The Energy Office expects to receive formula funding through the US Department of Energy’s (DOE) Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program to award subgrants to projects and programs that improve energy efficiency, cut carbon emissions, and reduce energy use.
County and municipal governments in South Carolina may apply for Energy Office subgrants, if they were not eligible to receive EECBG funding directly from DOE as listed in the EECBG Local Government Allocations (PDF). The Energy Office plans to award between 20 and 30 EECBG subgrants ranging from $50,000 to $75,000 each. Cost sharing is not required, but leveraging of funds is encouraged to maximize the energy-related benefits of each project. Additionally, projects in disadvantaged communities as defined by the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST) will be prioritized.
The SC Energy Office intends to fund projects from one of the eight categories listed below:
- Strategy Development and Implementation
- Energy Efficiency Retrofit Grants for Government Agencies
- Conservation of Transportation Energy
- Building Codes and Inspection Services
- Reduction, Capture, and Use of Landfill Gases
- Replacement of Traffic Signals and Street Lighting
- On-site Renewable Energy on or In a Government Building
- Programs for Financing, Purchasing, and Installing Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy, and Zero-emission Transportation (and associated infrastructure) Measures and Capital Investments, Projects, and Programs for Leveraging Public and Private Sector Funds
To assist potential subgrantees in developing and implementing effective projects, DOE has created EECBG Blueprints – detailed guidance documents accompanied by helpful tools and resources. In total there are 13 Blueprints covering the following topics: Energy Planning, Efficient Buildings, Renewables, Electric Transportation, Finance, and Workforce. Applicants are encouraged to utilize a relevant Blueprint, if applicable, as they develop their project.
The Energy Office shall release an EECBG request for applications (RFA) following receipt of its EECBG award from DOE.
To stay informed about this funding opportunity, please email the Energy Office and request to be added to the EECGB email list.
Note: To apply for Energy Office funding you will need a Unique Entity ID (UEI), which is required for entities receiving federal funds. For more information on how to register in the System for Award Management (SAM) and receive a UEI, please visit SAM.gov.”