Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program for Small Cities and Counties

Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program for Small Cities and Counties is sponsored by U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) / Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment. This program assists local governments in implementing strategies for boosting energy efficiency, reducing energy consumption and costs, and advancing energy-efficient practices.

Arkansas Small Cities and Counties Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) | DEQ Level 2 EVSE Balance Tracker DC Fast Charge Balance Tracker Arkansas Energy Performance Contracting Level 2 EVSE Reimbursement Rebate Arkansas Small Cities and Counties Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) DCFC Funding Assistance Program Arkansas Energy Performance Contracting Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) Arkansas Small Cities and Counties Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) The Arkansas EECBG Program will help empower local governments to implement smart strategies for boosting energy efficiency.

This is a unique opportunity for communities to access funding for impactful projects that create long-term savings. The Arkansas Department of Energy's EECBG Competitive Grant program offers funding for innovative projects that can make a real difference in your community.

This competitive grant program focuses on four key areas: Energy Audits : Discover where your public buildings can improve energy efficiency and identify areas for savings. Energy Efficiency Retrofits : Turn audit findings into action! Make impactful improvements to buildings to boost energy efficiency.

Transportation Energy Conservation : Diversify transportation options with micro-mobility solutions and public Level 2 EV charging stations. Workforce Development : Invest in your community's future by training a skilled workforce to support Arkansas' growing energy sector. Apply today to power up a brighter, more efficient future for your community with the Arkansas EECBG Competitive Grant.

Who are the eligible entities that can apply for a subgrant award under this EECBG program? Local governments (cities and counties) within the State of Arkansas that are not eligible for direct funding from the US Department of Energy (DOE) will be given priority in the evaluation process.

Cities and counties that received direct funding from DOE are still eligible to apply but will be deferred for consideration until all applications from non-funded cities and counties have been evaluated. Please note that this is a competitive grant. What is the overall goal of EECBG program?

The goal of the program is to extend the capacity and capabilities of states and local governments to implement high-impact energy projects, with a particular focus on Low-Income Disadvantaged Communities (LIDAC). What projects are eligible under this program?

The Arkansas Energy Office has chosen to direct funds provided by DOE to projects involving Energy Efficiency Retrofits, Energy Efficiency Audits, Sustainable Transportation, and Workforce Development from DOE’s list of eligible projects to be funded by this funding opportunity. What is the scope of work that can be funded under this Program?

The EECBG program may fund projects in the following activity areas: Energy Efficiency Retrofits For Example: Guidance from DOE states, “modification of structures or equipment necessary for proper installation and function of energy efficient equipment may be eligible with prior approval from DOE.

” Further DOE guidance states, "The replacement of a lighting fixture, an arm, a pole, or any part of a light is an eligible use of funds if the more efficient lighting technology necessitates such a replacement. However, regular maintenance is an ineligible cost. For example, EECBG Program funds cannot be used to replace a rotten pole due to insufficient maintenance.

LED lights should be procured with strong warranty terms and meet certifications (e.g., ENERGY STAR or otherwise) to ensure energy performance, longevity and lighting quality over time." For example: Energy assessments to understand usage patterns in a portfolio of buildings and benchmark performance, including benchmarking building energy performance in the ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager Tool.

Any activities that support or facilitate the conduct of energy assessments of residential or commercial buildings Sustainable Transportation Electrifying Vehicle Fleets Cities can support the transition to clean energy transportation through eligible projects such as: Installing electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to support municipal and public EV use.

Developing infrastructure for micromobility programs, including facilities for e-bikes, e-scooters, and other alternative transportation options. Establishing refueling infrastructure for alternative fuels like hydrogen or natural gas. Note: The program does not cover the purchase of vehicles but focuses on enabling clean energy solutions through infrastructure development.

For example: Workforce development/training programs supporting eligible activities, such as training community members on green technology installation or residential and commercial energy audits Programs for public education including training or workshops in the electrical industry, HVAC trades, and code compliance training Providing compliance training for inspectors.

Can funding be used for lighting of ball parks, sidewalks, or parking lots? DOE has defined a "streetlight" as "an outdoor source of light that is raised and that is intended to provide functional illumination to the area below the light."

Therefore, ball parks, sidewalks, and parking lots, all would be considered "streetlights" and eligible for funding as long as the project involves the "replacement of lights" and not poles and other equipment. Can funding be used to replace poles and other support components?

DOE does also give guidance that "a lighting fixture, an arm, a pole, or any part of the light is an eligible use of funds if the more efficient lighting technology necessitates such a replacement. For example, the EECBG Program funds cannot be used to replace a rotten pole due to insufficient maintenance." How much funding is available to be sub granted to eligible entities?

A total of $1,765,000 will be available for awards under this funding opportunity, 60% of all funds must be granted to communities that did not receive a direct allocation under the EECBG program. Does Buy America, Build America (BABA) apply to the replacement of traffic signals and street lighting? No. LED light bulbs do not have to comply with the BABA standard.

However, any light fixtures or poles and other support components will be required to apply to BABA standards. Please not that if the total cost for the project is less than $250,000 a waiver for Buy America Build America (BABA) will be issue. How does my city or county apply for this Program?

The AEO intends to award subgrants on competitive basis. Does the AEO have a minimum or maximum project limit with the limited amount of funding available? AEO will grant projects from $9,000 to $200,000.

Is there a cost match component to this funding opportunity? No, there is no required cost match. How will the grant be provided to the recipient?

The subgrant will require a Grant Agreement between the recipient and the AEO. That document is currently being drafted and may take up to a month to finalize.

All terms and conditions applicable in AEO’s grant agreement from DOE must flow down to each subrecipient’s agreement, including compliance with Federal, State, and Municipal Law, Historical Preservation Requirements, Reporting Requirements, Payment Procedures, Nondisclosure and Confidentiality Assurances, Conflict of Interest, Davis-Bacon Requirements, and Buy America Build America (if required).

How long after the application is submitted will it take before funding for the project is received? Funding for approved projects will be available as early as July 2025.