CHEYENNE - The Wyoming State Energy Office received over $11 million in federal stimulus funding today to promote energy efficiency in buildings and homes around the state.
Wyoming's local government agencies, nonprofits, tribal entities, and joint powers boards are eligible to apply for part of the funding to retrofit existing buildings to improve energy efficiency by a goal of 25 percent. Middle-income homeowners may apply for rebates for weatherization assistance previously available to low-income households.
The funding comes from an over $3.1 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act appropriation to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to fund state programs that prioritize energy savings, increase the use of renewable energy, and create or retain jobs.
"These stimulus dollars will help businesses and homeowners create lasting energy efficiency improvements that will save them money on their utility bills and help make the most of our energy resources," said Shannon Stanfill, manager of the Wyoming State Energy Office.
Over $9.4 million of today's funding will go to the Facility Retrofit Grant Program, and over $1.7 million will go toward an expansion of the Weatherization Program. Program descriptions follow.
The State Energy Office also received over $1.2 million for a third component, an expansion of the Residential Photovoltaic Program to include other renewable energy sources, however, the state's plan is still under review by the DOE and funding for the program will be made available at a later date.
Today's total funding brings Wyoming to 50 percent of what the state is expected to receive for the three programs. After demonstrating successful implementation of the funding, the state is expected to be awarded more than $12 million in additional funding, for a total of nearly $25 million.
The State Energy Office must have these energy stimulus funds obligated by Jan. 31, 2011.
Applications for and information about the program are available at www.wyomingbusiness.org or toll-free at 1.888.232.5390.
Facility Retrofit Grant Program: Grants are available to help fund energy efficiency upgrades for facilities in Wyoming owned by local government, tribal entities, nonprofit organizations and joint powers boards. Examples of facility retrofits include: attic/ceiling improvements; the sealing of cracks and/or insulation of foundations; upgrading lighting; insulation and sealing of HVAC (Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning) ductwork; replacement of boilers/furnaces;installation of on-demand water heaters and measures to improve the efficiency of HVAC systems including replacement. The overall program goal is to improve energy efficiency by 25 percent on average per applicant. The maximum grant award is $750,000. A minimum 10 percent match is required.
Expansion of the Weatherization Program: The Weatherization Program, administered by the Wyoming Department of Family Services, helps lower energy bills by installing energy efficiency measures in the homes of qualifying Wyoming low-income homeowners free of charge. The stimulus funding expands the existing program to include middle-income households with income levels between 215-250 percent of the poverty level. Weatherization efforts include: a check of major energy systems to ensure occupant safety and a wide variety of energy efficiency measures that encompass the building envelope, its heating and cooling systems, its electrical system, and electricity consuming appliances. The maximum grant award is $6,500. The program's goal is to help weatherize about 480 homes in the state. The complete income guidelines are available at www.wyomingbusiness.org.
The mission of the Wyoming Business Council is to facilitate the economic growth of Wyoming. For more information, please visit www.wyomingbusiness.org.