Thanks to federal stimulus money, the State Energy Program will receive $21 million this year to pursue energy efficiency and conservation. Most of the funding will be distributed through the Clean Energy Development Fund (CEDF).

Additional funding for energy projects is available through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program for a variety of efficiency and renewable energy initiatives (as outlined in the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007).  Approximately $9.5 million will come through the state, and the rest directly to Vermont cities and towns.  Money has been directly allocated by DOE to the ten highest-population towns in each state. In Rutland County, the City of Rutland was allocated $78,900.

Of the $9.5 million of EECBG money coming through the State of Vermont, 40% ($3.8 million) is allocated by the DOE to the State Energy Program and 60% ($5.7 million) is allocated to cities and towns not receiving a direct allocation from DOE. The Department of Public Service submitted an application in June to the DOE for the funds coming to the state.

The ten Regional Planning Commissions in Vermont will each receive $80,000 for energy issues through EECBG.  The funding is very broad; eligible activities include everything from developing pedestrian paths to updating energy plans to weatherizing government buildings. More information is available at www.recovery.vermont.gov/energy.

The Rutland Regional Planning Commission will hold a special meeting of its Energy Committee to discuss plans for the money on July 21, 2009  at 6:00 pm in the Asa Bloomer Building in Rutland City. Contact Sara Gilbert at sgilbert@rutlandrpc.org or (802) 775-0871 extension 205 for more information.