Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant

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Overview

In early 2010, Planning staff was notified that they were selected to help administer a grant that is being funded through the federal government’s stimulus package.   Local units of government with a population of under 35,000 are eligible to receive grant monies.
 

The Grant

The Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and is accessible to all local government entities. The EECBG is being overseen by the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Illinois Energy Office and is being administered locally by the Belvidere-Boone County Regional Planning Commission (planning staff).
 
The Commission is overseeing the disbursement of $173,394 of grant funds to qualifying entities within Boone County. The Grant is a 25/75 grant, meaning that the grant will only cover up to 75% of the total costs of the project. The 25% match can be fulfilled by Electric Efficiency Program (EEP) monies as awarded by ComEd. The EECBG monies are only eligible for retrofitting projects and may not be applied towards new construction. Projects that are eligible for grant reimbursement include:

  • Installation of insulation
  • Installation of efficient lighting (requires EEP application if Ameren Illinois or ComEd electric customer)
  • Heating, venting, and air conditioning (HVAC) (requires EEP application if Ameren Illinois or ComEd electric customer)
  • High-efficiency shower/faucet upgrades
  • Weather sealing
  • The purchase and installation of ENERGY STAR appliances
  • Installation of solar powered or conventional garbage compacters with improved efficiency 
  • Replacement of windows and doors.   

Request for proposals were sent out to 31 qualifying entities with applications being due by Friday June 11, 2010. It was encouraged that entities attend an open house sponsored by staff to answer any questions they may have.  An additional resource for those interested in updating light fixtures is the Smart Energy Design Assistance Center, an entity able to provide a free energy audit.
 

Approved Grants

Two more grant projects were recently approved! 

Please click on the attached link in order to view which agencies were awarded grant monies, how much funds were recieved and for what projects.

Approved Grants

 

Next Steps

Now that that approved projects have been determined, the Commission is charged with making sure that the projects stay on track, are completed by the deadline and that the applicants are properly reimbursed for their projects. 
 
Belvidere Township and Belvidere CUSD 100 have both completed their projects.