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.

DWEE 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 improvements made to the building envelope of public structures such as replacement of less efficient windows and doors, and addition or replacement of weatherization measures and insulation; energy efficiency upgrades to existing heating, cooling, and ventilation systems, including programmable thermostats and electrical panel upgrades necessary for new equipment; energy efficiency workforce development and training; and upgrades to energy efficient lighting.

Status: 2026 Application period open through April 15, 2026. Find application documents on the EECBG Application webpage.

2024 Grants awarded:

• 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
• 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
• 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