DEP Now Accepting Applications For PA Energy Conservation Works Grants

The Department of Environmental Protection is now accepting applications for $22.2 million in grants under its PA Conservation Works Program to fund energy efficiency, conservation and renewable energy projects by local governments and nonprofit organizations.
Applications will be accepted from June 29 to August 14. (formal notice)
At least 60 percent of the funding is reserved for local governments that are not eligible for direct formula grants under the federal stimulus energy programs. this includes boroughs, townships and cities with fewer than 35,000 residents and counties with fewer than 200,000 residents.
Eligible projects may include energy efficient lighting, including streetlight or outdoor lighting; energy efficiency retrofits of existing buildings, including high efficiency furnaces, boilers and air conditioners, combined heat and power, energy efficient ventilation systems, windows, sealing and insulation, and automated control systems; energy efficiency upgrades at wastewater treatment plants; installation of geothermal heat pump systems; premium efficiency motors and variable speed drives; and deployment of renewable energy technologies including solar energy, wind energy, fuel cells, biomass, biogas and low-impact hydro.
All projects must save or conserve a minimum of 25 percent of all energy used. Renewable energy projects will be eligible if the project replaces at least 25 perecent of the building or entity's energy use.
DEP may award financial assistance in the form of grants of up to $250,000. Multi-municipal projects (two or more units of local government sharing services and working together in the deployment of a project) may request up to $500,000.
All projects must create jobs, be able to start work within 6 months, and be completed within 18 months and prior to September 30, 2011.
Guidelines and other information will be posted on the www.Recovery.Pa.gov website. Applications must be submitted by means of the Environmental eGrants system.