California’s Portion of the ARRA Funds

Our Energy Future

ARRA Funds

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) will provide $787 billion in economic investment nationally.

California could receive more than $50 billion for a variety of statewide programs.

Funding - California

The California Energy Commission has been allocated $275.6 million for energy efficiency and renewable energy programs, these programs are:

– State Energy Program– Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program

In addition, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will administer an estimated $36 billion through;

– Competitive Grants and– Energy and Climate change related programs.

Programs - California

Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (Small Cities)

State Energy Program

DOE National Competitive Grants

Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant

The purpose of the EECBG Program is to assist eligible entities in creating and implementing strategies to:

– Reduce Fossil Fuel– Reduce Total Energy Use – Improve Energy Efficiency

EECBG Funding

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant.

– $302 million to large cities and counties coming directly from the DOE (population < 35,000)

– $49.6 million allocated to CEC – $29.7 million to small cities (population > 35,000)– $19.8 million to be expended at the CEC’s discretion

CA EECBG - Key Points

Population-Based Formula: For all other eligible cities and counties, the formula funding allocation methodology is calculated by $5.00 per total. population, plus an unemployment calculation adder

Minimum Funding Awards: Cities with a population less than 5,000 will receive a fixed $25,000 funding award. Counties with a population less than 10,000 will receive a fixed $50,000 funding award.

Cost-effectiveness factor.

EECBG Cost Effectiveness Factor

Unlike the DOE’s EECBG Program, the CEC is requiring a certain cost-effectiveness factor for project approval.

The Energy Commission defines cost-effectiveness as achievement of minimum energy savings per dollar spent (10 million source British Thermal Units (Bs) per each $1000 spent).

The Energy Commission will provide a calculator to assist with calculations of cost-effectiveness.

CA EECBG - Application

Preliminary Guidelines are available for discussion and comment, but the FINAL application process for small cities and counties has not yet been determined. Energy Commission staff is discussing this program with stakeholders and has started developing application materials and evaluation criteria.

Upcoming Meeting:

Final Proposed Guidelines for Small Cities and CountiesMONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2009

10 a.m. - 12 p.m.CALIFORNIA ENERGY COMMISSION

1516 Ninth StreetFirst Floor, Hearing Room

CA State Energy Program

The only Federally funded, state-based initiative administered by the U.S Department of Energy to encourage state and private-sector initiatives to:– Save Energy– Reduce Energy Cost– Create Energy from non-fossil resources– Reduce harmful emissions

SEP - Funding

The Energy Commission will receive $226 million CA’s SEP to focus on:

– Municipal Financing District Program (AB 811)– California Comprehensive Residential Building Retrofit

Program– Municipal and Commercial Building Targeted Measure

Retrofit Program

$96 million allocated to these three areas

SEP – Key Points

Municipal Financing District Program Would enable property owners to finance the installation of energy

efficiency or renewable energy improvements. Repayment would occur with property taxes.

California Comprehensive Residential Building Retrofit Program

Implement energy retrofits in existing residential buildings.

Municipal and Commercial Building Targeted Measure Retrofit Program

Achieving significant energy savings from targeted retrofit measures where opportunities exist in large numbers across the state’s municipal and commercial building sectors.

Municipal and Commercial Building Retrofit Program

Focus of the program is to capitalize on low risk, high return efficiency opportunities across the state.

Occupancy controlled bi-level lighting fixtures for parking lots, parking garages, exterior walkways, and building stairwells.

Targeted measures for commercial kitchen ventilation and HVAC controls.

CA SEP - Application

The Energy Commission will release a solicitation in the form of a Request For Proposal (RFP).

The Energy Commission will hold a pre-bid conference shortly after the release of the RFP.

DOE - Competitive Grants

Competitive grants will promote market transformation, innovation, and leveraging.

The CA Energy Commission may allocate up to $50 million in SEP funds for competitive grants under the Energy Conservation and Assistance Account (ECAA) program.

Also allocate up to $25 million to augment ECAA loans. – The ECAA program provides low interest loans for energy

efficiency and renewable energy retrofits to cities, counties, special districts, public schools and colleges, public hospitals, and public care institutions.

Conclusion

Cities should get on the CEC’s and DOE’s listserv for the latest information

The next round of energy efficiency grant monies is coming. Cities should start identifying grant writing resources and programs and projects.

Make sure you let your US Congressional Representative know what you’re doing with your funding. Future funding is dependant on assuring Congress the money is being effectively.

Willdan is ready to assist cities

Willdan: Who We Are

Willdan Energy Solutions is an energy efficiency contractor for all four investor-owned utilities

Willdan Financial Services has over 20 years of experience administering all types of financing districts, including assessment districts

Willdan has been providing public agencies with reliable engineering and planning consulting services for more than 40 years.