Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program

About:

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program will assist States, local governments, and Tribes in implementing strategies to reduce energy use, reduce fossil fuel emissions, and improve energy efficiency.

NDEE plans to support local communities in implementing high-impact, self-sustaining clean energy projects. Subawards will be granted to communities through a competitive process. Eligible projects include upgrades to energy efficient lighting; installation of renewable energy systems on government buildings; development of alternative transportation infrastructure such as pedestrian walkways and bicycle paths; and public education to promote energy efficiency and conservation. Projects should provide communitywide benefits and may get special consideration if they provide local employment opportunities and workforce training. Priority may be given to projects in communities identified as having a high energy or environmental burden. This program will provide funding for communities based on their individual needs.

Status: Grants Awarded

2024 Grant awards include:

• Beatrice – $58,041 to fund energy efficient lighting in the city’s auditorium and police station
• Bloomfield – $71,682 to fund energy efficient lighting and windows in the city library
• Curtis – $87,871 to fund energy efficient streetlights on Highways 18 and 23
• Hickman – $100,000 to fund energy efficient streetlights and street signs
• Mitchell – $24,324 to fund energy efficient lighting at city hall, the police department, the senior center, and the library
• Nebraska City Utilities – $100,000 to fund energy efficient streetlights along the main streets or entrances to Bennet, Douglas, Palmyra, Unadilla, Otoe, Lorton, Julian and Brock.
• North Platte – $100,000 to fund energy efficient lighting at city hall, fire stations #2 and #3, the rec center, the senior center, and the ball field 
• Peru – $81,731 to fund energy efficient streetlights along the downtown/business district
• Shickley – $83,148 to fund energy efficient streetlights
• South Sioux City – $100,000 to fund energy efficient lighting at the ball field
• Wahoo – $100,000 to fund energy efficient streetlights
• Walthill – $51,696 to fund solar streetlights
• Emerson – $100,000 to fund a 500Kw (AC)/650kW (DC) photovoltaic solar tracking facility at the village’s wastewater treatment facility

• Glenvil – $55,434 to fund updates to sidewalks and pathways throughout the community

   

See press releases from August 19, 2024 , and November 12, 2024 , for more information