Utah’s Office of Energy Development (OED) has received a grant through the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program designed to support energy efficiency and conservation projects in government buildings across the state, including in rural areas. The $1,811,730 in grants will be distributed through an application process with state agencies.
The EECBG program offers funding to Utah cities, counties, special districts and municipalities for energy audits and projects designed to cut emissions and reduce energy consumption. Funding can be used for a range of retrofit or conservation projects, such as improved insulation, advanced HVAC systems and LED lighting.
“EECBG brings Utah a double benefit,” said OED Acting Director Dusty Monks. “Our schools, libraries, community centers and government buildings are going to be more prudent users of the state’s energy resources with this funding, and visitors and employees will enjoy a more comfortable environment through improved temperature control and lighting. A third benefit is the freeing up of limited state and government budgets. EECBG will lead to savings that can be used for other public priorities and investments, ultimately saving taxpayer dollars.”
The DOE estimates that EECBG-funded modernization and infrastructure improvement projects will deliver energy savings of 20 percent to 30 percent or more. Approximately 40 percent of the program’s funding will be allocated to traditionally underserved communities, including rural areas of Utah.
“Beyond the immediate benefits of greater comfort and lower utility bills in small- to mid-sized government buildings, EECBG’s environmentally friendly upgrades will lower carbon emissions and other pollutants, fostering cleaner, more sustainable communities,” said Anna Holmstead, EECBG program manager. “EECBG is perfectly aligned with Utah’s focus on protecting human health and quality of life and our long-term commitment to sustainability.”