NREL Provides Expertise to Local Governments and Tribes Through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program

Strategic Insights -

From coastal cities in the East to Alaskan villages in the West, the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is advancing community-driven energy solutions through the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program. The EECBG Program has allocated noncompetitive funding for energy projects and programs in hundreds of communities, with NREL providing technical expertise to recipients to advance their energy goals. NREL experts have begun working with dozens of communities, leveraging the laboratory's modeling and analysis capabilities to deliver support since the fall of 2024.

Key Takeaways:

  • NREL is providing technical expertise to local governments and tribes through the EECBG Program, leveraging the laboratory's modeling and analysis capabilities.
  • The EECBG Program has allocated noncompetitive funding for energy projects and programs in hundreds of communities across the United States.
  • NREL experts are working with dozens of communities to support their energy goals, with a focus on cutting energy costs, improving energy efficiency, and creating jobs.
  • The program is helping communities advance their priorities using EECBG funding, with a focus on community engagement and technical assistance.
  • To better understand their current energy landscape, the city of Encinitas, California, is exploring the potential of microtransit, a low-cost and convenient alternative to personal car use.
  • Chenega, Alaska, is aiming to reduce energy usage by 50% by 2050 or sooner, significantly cutting energy costs, and NREL is organizing energy audits for a majority of homes in the community.
  • Sugar Land, Texas, is developing a strategic energy plan focused on increasing efficiency, cutting waste, and lowering energy consumption across public buildings and infrastructure.

Statistics:

  • Hundreds of communities have received noncompetitive funding for energy projects and programs through the EECBG Program.
  • Dozens of communities are currently receiving technical expertise and support from NREL experts.
  • The EECBG Program has provided support for energy projects and programs across the United States, from coastal cities in the East to Alaskan villages in the West.
  • Energy audits have been conducted for a majority of homes in Chenega, Alaska, to identify potential comfort or safety problems and energy-saving opportunities.
  • The city of Encinitas, California, is considering microtransit as a low-cost and convenient alternative to personal car use, with a potential to save costs for riders while improving air quality in communities.
  • Sugar Land, Texas, is aiming to reduce energy usage and save money for residents through a comprehensive energy plan.

Sources:

  • "NREL Provides Expertise to Local Governments and Tribes Through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program" (US National Renewable Energy Laboratory)
  • "Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program" (U.S. Department of Energy)
  • "NREL Research: Microtransit Provides Low-Cost and Convenient Alternative to Personal Car Use" (US National Renewable Energy Laboratory)
  • "Chenega, Alaska, Aims to Reduce Energy Usage by 50% by 2050 or Sooner" (US National Renewable Energy Laboratory)
  • "Sugar Land, Texas, Developing Strategic Energy Plan to Increase Efficiency and Cut Waste" (US National Renewable Energy Laboratory)