Weatherization assistance for low-income families - $71,800,599

The stimulus act includes an allocation of $71,800,599 to provide assistance to low-income families in Alabama through ADECA’s Weatherization Assistance Program. The program reduces energy costs for low-income households by increasing the energy efficiency of their homes. Eligible applicants have their houses tested to determine what weatherization measures are needed to maximize energy efficiency. Improvements typically include adding insulation, reducing air leaks by improving windows, doors and vents, and servicing heating and cooling systems. Health and safety diagnostic services also are provided.

As of July 23, ADECA has received $35,900,299 of the funding allocated to Alabama for weatherization. In late June, ADECA awarded grants totaling $4,707,236 to a network of 15 Community Action Agencies and local nonprofits that deliver free weatherization services to all 67 counties in the state. In July, ADECA awarded an additional $30,579,409 in weatherization funds to the agencies. The additional funds became available after the Department of Energy approved Alabama's state Weatherization plan. After demonstrating successful implementation of its Weatherization plan, the state will receive the additional portion of its allocation. Click here for a news release announcing the grant awards.

For 2009, any household with income less than 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines is eligible for weatherization assistance. Residents may apply for assistance at the agency covering the county in which they live. Click here for a list of the agencies.

State Energy Program - $55,570,000

The U.S. Department of Energy has allocated $55,570,000 to Alabama for energy-related projects. As the state energy office, ADECA’s Energy Division will administer the funds. The program’s goals are to reduce energy costs and consumption for consumers, businesses and government, reduce reliance on imported energy, improve the reliability of electricity and the fuel supply and reduce the environmental impact of the production and use of energy.

ADECA plans to expand existing energy programs and create new ones. Those eligible to apply for grants will include local governments, colleges and universities and nonprofit organizations. Funding priorities for the projects will include the number of jobs created or retained, measurable energy saved, renewable energy installed and reduction of greenhouse gases. Click here for a list of proposed program areas for the State Energy Program.

ADECA has issued a Request for Proposals for projects that could be funded by the State Energy Program. All proposals were due by June 29, 2009. Click here to view the evaluation sheets ADECA's Energy Division is using to grade proposals for State Energy Program funds.

Energy efficiency and conservation for local governments and other organizations - $10,350,200

ADECA will receive $10,350,200 from the U.S. Department of Energy for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program. Grants awarded as part of the program will help local governements and other eligible organizations decrease energy consumption, improve the energy efficiency of buildings and vehicles, reduce fossil fuel emissions, spur economic growth and create or retain jobs.

Examples of activities eligible for funding include:

-- Establishment and enforcement of building codes that emphasize energy efficiency
-- Loans, grants and incentives for energy energy-efficiency improvements
-- Energy audits of residential and commercial buildings
-- Energy-efficiency retrofits
-- Energy conservation programs for government building and facilities
-- Transportation programs that conserve energy and reduce fuel consumption
-- Energy-efficient traffic signals and street lights
-- Installation of solar, wind or other renewable energy technology on government buildings
-- Landfill gas and methane recovery projects

ADECA’s Energy Division is required by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to distribute 60 percent of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant allocation to cities and counties not receiving funding directly from the U.S. Department of Energy. These cities and counties, also known as non-entitlement communities, will be able to apply for this funding through a competitive solicitation. Click here for a list of proposed Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant activities for the 60 percent portion of the allocation.

ADECA has issued a request for applications for projects that could be funded by 60 percent portion of the allocation. All applications are due by 5 p.m. Aug. 7, 2009.

The remaining funds will also be awarded as grants to the non-entitlement local governments as well as non-profit organizations, public or private industries, agricultural operations and wastewater treatment facilities. Click here for a list of proposed Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant activities for this portion of the allocation.

ADECA has issued a request for applications for projects that could be funded by the remaining portion of the allocation. All applications are due by 5 p.m. Aug. 15, 2009.

Energy Star Appliance Rebate Program - $4,473,000

The U.S. Department of Energy has allocated $4,473,000 to Alabama for a rebate program to encourage Alabamians to save energy in their homes by purchasing Energy Star qualified appliances. Each state will be able to select the qualified appliances they wish to include in their rebate program and the rebate amounts. Eligible appliances could include dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers, clothes washers and room air conditioners.

The Energy Division of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs has submitted a plan to the U.S. Department of Energy detailing the guidelines and process for implementing the program in Alabama. The Department of Energy will review the state’s plan no later than Nov. 30, 2009. ADECA anticipates receiving the funds and beginning the rebate program no earlier than Feb. 1, 2010. Qualified appliances purchased during the advertised rebate period will be eligible for rebates. The program will be promoted through retailer advertisements and other media.

Energy Assurance Initiative - $627,742

The state will receive $627,742 in stimulus funds from the U.S. Department of Energy to further develop Alabama’s Energy Assurance Plan which seeks to minimize the impact of energy emergencies and supply disruptions caused by disasters such as hurricanes. Renewable energy, biofuels and smart grid technology will be integrated into the state’s plan.

ADECA’s Energy Division will work with the Alabama Department of Homeland Security, the Alabama Emergency Management Agency and the utility and petroleum industries of Alabama to assess the state’s energy supply systems, energy and fuel infrastructure and fuel reserves. Emphasis also will be placed on improving emergency communication and coordination between state and local officials and with neighboring states

The state will examine response and recovery times to past energy disruptions and will develop training exercises to strengthen staff expertise and ensure the proper implementation of Alabama’s revised Energy Assurance Plan.

Industrial Energy Efficiency - $350,000

ADECA anticipates receiving an award of $350,000 in stimulus funds from the U.S. Department of Energy to support a project to reduce energy costs and improve profits for Alabama manufacturers.

ADECA’s Energy Division, through grants with the University of Alabama Industrial Assessment Center and the Alabama Technology Network will conduct a program entitled “Reducing Industrial Energy Intensity in Alabama.” The 42-month program will have a total budget of $900,000 including an additional award of $550,000 from the Department of Energy’s Industrial Technologies Program. Extensive on-site energy assessments of small, medium and large Alabama manufacturers will be conducted to help manufacturers identify changes that will increase energy efficiency and reduce costs. Companies also will receive training about production techniques that reduce energy consumption.