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 issued a Request for Proposals for projects that could be funded by the State Energy Program on May 18 and all proposals were submitted by June 29, 2009.Click here for a list of the proposals that have been rated and a list of scores and projects that were selected to receive grants.

ADECA issued a Request for Proposals for projects that could be funded by the State Energy Program on May 18 and all proposals were submitted by June 29, 2009. ADECA issued a Request for Proposals on February 10 by ADECA for Energy Efficient Retrofits of K-12 Schools and all proposals were submitted by March 19, 2010. The proposals are currently under review and a list of scores and projects that are selected to receive grants will be posted as it becomes available. A copy of the request is located here.

A Request for Proposals was issued on February 26 by ADECA for Energy Revolving Loan Fund Administration and all proposals were submitted by April 1, 2010. The proposals are currently under review and a list of scores and the project that is selected to receive a grant will be posted as it becomes available. A copy of the request is located here.

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 governments 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 issued a request for applications for projects that could be funded by 60 percent portion of the allocation on July 10 and all proposals were submitted by August 7, 2009. Click here for a list of the proposals that have been rated and a list of scores and projects that were selected to receive grants.

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 issued a request for applications for projects that could be funded by the remaining portion of the allocation on July 15 and all proposals were submitted by August 12, 2009.Click here for a list of the proposals that have been rated and a list of scores and projects that were selected to receive grants.

Alabama Energy Efficient 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.

The Alabama Energy Efficient Rebate Program will begin on April 19, 2010 to coincide with Earth Day and continue through May 9, unless funds are exhausted before then. Appliances must be purchased during the rebate period to qualify for a rebate. Eligible ENERGY STAR appliances will include clothes washers, dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers and room air conditioners and rebate amounts will range from $25 to $150. Eligible applicants must be Alabama residents who are 18 years or older and must be replacing an existing appliance to apply for rebates. For more information about the program, go to www.ALrebates.com. Beginning April 19, 2010 you will be able to reserve or apply for your rebate on the website or by calling 1-877-856-6645. You will not be able to reserve or apply for rebates until that time.

A Request for Proposals (RFP) was issued to engage a contractor to administer the program in Alabama. Seven proposals were received, and Helgeson Enterprises of White Bear Lake, Minnesota has been awarded a contract. Click here for a copy of the RFP. Click here for a copy of the Proposal Score Sheet and Proposal Score Spreadsheet.

Click here for Appliance Rebate guide for Alabama residents.

Energy Assurance Initiative - $627,742

The state has received $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.

ADECA issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) on February 10, 2010 for submissions to implement Alabama's State Energy Assurance Initiative and all proposals were submitted by March 26, 2010. The proposals are currently under review and a list of scores and projects that are selected to receive grants will be posted as it becomes available. A copy of the request is located here.

Industrial Energy Efficiency - $350,000

ADECA has received 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.