Monday, July 27, 2009

Tips for Tapping Into State Energy Efficiency Funding

49 state energy offices submitted plans in June to the U.S. Department of Energy for uses of the $3.1 billion in federal energy efficiency funding authorized by the stimulus bill. 41 of those plans were recently approved and have moved into the procurement phase while the other eight states are in negotiations with the DOE.

The National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO) recommended today the following steps for HARDI distributors to get involved and influence these energy efficiency initiatives:
  1. Identify your state(s) Energy Director, make contact, and arrange a meeting to discuss what energy saving solutions you have to offer for residential, commercial, and/or public projects.
  2. Consider attending NASEO's Annual Meeting, September 13-16, 2009 in Annapolis, MD where State Energy Directors and their staff meet to network with one another and stakeholder industries.
  3. $300 mil was recently authorized by the DOE for an Energy Star Appliance Rebate Program. Many energy offices are seeking comments and recommendations for how such a program should be structured.
  4. Only 12 state energy offices oversee their states' weatherization programs. The National Association for State Community Service Programs (NASCSP) represents state weatherization officials and HARDI distributors interested in participating in weatherization projects should make contact with these officials.

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