Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant Program Receives Approval

August 19, 2009

Albany, NY—The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) today announced that the U.S. Department of Energy has approved New York’s $29 million Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  This program will help support local governments (cities and towns with a population less than 35,000 and counties with a population less than 200,000) with projects and strategies that bolster energy efficiency, create jobs within the clean energy sector, reduce energy costs, and protect the environment. 

The EECBG program will contribute to Governor David A. Paterson’s goal of meeting 45 percent of the State’s electricity needs through improved energy efficiency and renewable energy by 2015.   Moreover, the EECBG will be one tool that will help New York achieve the Governor’s goal to reduce current greenhouse gas emissions from all sources within the State eighty percent (80%) below levels emitted in the year nineteen hundred ninety (1990) by the year two-thousand fifty (2050). 

Governor David A. Paterson said, “The Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant program is an ideal fit with New York State’s aggressive ‘45 by 15’ plan. Supporting our local governments through this program will enable them to embrace projects and strategies that will increase energy efficiency and expand our clean energy workforce. Energy savings through this program will also lessen the negative impact energy use can have on the environment, which will help the State reach its goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent by the year 2050.”

“The Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant program dedicates funds to where they are needed the most to drive our State’s economic recovery-to the local level,” said Francis J. Murray Jr., President and CEO of NYSERDA.  “As the Governor has recognized, investing in clean, renewable energy systems and energy efficiency can play a significant role in revitalizing our economy by creating jobs and lowering consumer prices.  Under the Governor’s leadership, statewide initiatives to improve energy efficiency and increase renewable energy capacity will further position New York as a leader in the clean energy economy.” 

ECBG funds are designed to create jobs, reduce total energy use, and reduce fossil fuel emissions.  NYSERDA will use the funds awarded to New York to implement a competitive grant program for small municipalities.  Eligible uses of this funding include projects such as: energy efficiency retrofits; transportation efficiency measures include synchronization of traffic signals, programs to reduce vehicle miles traveled, and idling reduction technologies; material conservation strategies including recycling and source reduction; energy distribution technologies such as combined heat and power systems; energy efficient street and traffic signal lighting; renewable technologies for local government buildings; and regional planning activities. 

NYSERDA will select projects based on projected energy savings, greenhouse gas emission reduction, ability to implement projects expeditiously, and participation in national and State programs focused on energy efficiency and green practices.  NYSERDA also will use some of the EECBG funds to support the promotion and adoption of more stringent energy codes for buildings in New York State, and to help local communities responsible for assuring compliance with the energy code.  Funds will be allocated regionally to assure equitable distribution. 

More information on the Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant.