U.S. Department of Energy announces more than $10 million in energy efficiency grants for Kentucky

Money to be used to help boost state’s economy

September 15, 2009 -- FRANKFORT, Ky. – Energy efficiency and increased use of renewable energy sources in Kentucky got a substantial boost this week from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The Commonwealth has been awarded $10,427,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program.

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Funds from the program will support projects that create jobs, support energy efficiency and conservation in working toward the goals of achieving Kentucky’s comprehensive energy plan.

”Becoming energy efficient in our homes, schools and businesses is one of the easiest ways for Kentucky to not only save money on energy costs, but to begin addressing how we impact our environment,” said Gov. Steve Beshear. “We have a number of renewable energy resource possibilities in our Commonwealth and this funding will help us achieve the goals of energy efficiency and finding renewable energy sources.”

The program, administered by the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet (EEC) and in partnership with the Department of Local Government (DLG), will channel 60 percent of the funds received to local cities and counties through submission of competitive grant proposals selected for energy efficiency or renewable energy projects.

“Another one of the initiatives we will fund through the allocation of these grant dollars is the Kentucky Net-Zero Energy Schools Program,” according to EEC Secretary Len Peters. “This program will help selected schools install items such as photovoltaic systems that will lead to substantial energy savings and bring these facilities to near net-zero energy use.”

Remaining funds will be used to develop an education and training program for local and state building code enforcement inspectors and builders through a partnership with the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction helping Kentucky achieve compliance with the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code. This code is designed to improve the energy efficiency of new buildings.

More information about the grant process can be found at http://www.energy.ky.gov/recovery/eecbg/

Source: Kentucky Governor