Grants for County governments - Energy

The purpose of this solicitation is to fund an applied research and development project that will support research to assess the impact of consolidated packages of electrified retrofit measures on air quality and other related impact categories, including resilience to extreme heat, indoor comfort, and energy and cost savings in California homes. Description: This research will identify and assess non-energy benefits of home electrification and evaluate key stakeholders’ (e.g., residents, contractors) experience with the retrofitting process. Ultimately, this work will provide guidance on how these benefits could be considered in strategies and decisions to retrofit or replace gas-fueled appliances with electric. The proposed research is intended to provide crucial support to the state’s efforts to address challenges in building decarbonization and to minimize air quality impacts to its residents. The research responds to the 2021-2025 California Energy Commission (CEC) Electric Program Investment Charge (EPIC) Investment Plan research initiative “Evaluating Air Quality, Health, and Equity in Clean Energy Solutions.” CEC’s California Building Decarbonization Assessment report, required by Assembly Bill 3232 (Friedman, Chapter 373, Statutes of 2018) suggests that efficient electrification in California’s buildings presents the most readily achievable pathway for this sector to achieve a 40 percent reduction in greenhouse gases relative to 1990 levels by 2030 (Kenney, et al. 2021). The same report acknowledges significant challenges associated with residential building decarbonization including high upfront costs, potential for increased utility bills, limited awareness of technology options and their benefits, constraints faced by renters, and systemic inequality faced by low-income and disadvantaged communities. There are many non-market factors to consider in decisions to retrofit or replace appliances, such as the non-energy benefits of home electrification (e.g., health, comfort, and household economics) that many are not aware of. Additionally, there are many not-yet characterized potential benefits of electrification retrofits in existing homes (e.g., improved air quality). These existing homes pose challenges — as well as enormous potential benefits — related to electrification; however, they are not typically covered under the Title 24 Building Energy Efficiency Standards, which apply only to new buildings and buildings undergoing permitted upgrades. Improvements in indoor air quality and related health outcomes are of particular importance to populations in low-income and disadvantaged communities, which are often disproportionately burdened by energy-related air pollutants. For example, in August 2023, the operating lives of three once through cooling (OTC) fossil gas power plants were extended through 2026 to provide reserve generation during power emergencies (CalMatters 2023, California Energy Commission 2023) and the emissions from OTC smokestacks can impact the outdoor and indoor air quality of residents living near those plants. In addition, wildfire-generated air pollution poses an added threat, possibly compounding already existing air quality issues in these communities. Eligibility Requirements Eligible Applicants: Business Individual Nonprofit Other Legal Entity Public Agency Tribal Government This solicitation is open to all public and private entities with the exception of local publicly owned electric utilities. Eligible Geographies: No local publicly owned electric utilities. Matching Funding Requirement: Match funding is required in the amount of at least 5% minimum of the requested CEC funds.

This program provides funding to communities facing extremely high energy costs to improve their energy infrastructure and promote renewable energy solutions.

This grant provides funding to South Carolina municipalities, litter control organizations, and community groups for litter removal projects, especially in areas that are challenging for volunteers to access safely.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to various public and nonprofit entities for replacing outdated diesel marine engines with cleaner technologies and for training programs that prepare individuals for careers in zero-emission transportation.

This grant provides funding to organizations working to improve environmental justice and community resilience in underserved areas of Arizona, California, Nevada, and Hawaii by addressing issues like air quality, water contamination, and public health disparities.

This funding opportunity supports organizations that partner with startups to advance and scale innovative clean energy technologies in Massachusetts, helping them navigate challenges to achieve commercial success.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for U.S.-based organizations, including private companies, universities, and nonprofits, to advance the development of innovative fuel cell and electrolysis technologies for efficient hydrogen production.

This program provides $2 million in funding to support the development of geothermal energy systems for various entities in Colorado, prioritizing projects that benefit low-income and underserved communities.

This grant provides funding to public and private entities to develop a network of fast-charging electric vehicle stations along major highways in Minnesota, promoting accessible and reliable EV infrastructure.

This program provides funding to individuals, local governments, and businesses in Texas to replace or upgrade older vehicles and equipment to reduce harmful nitrogen oxide emissions.

This grant provides funding for a variety of organizations and individuals in Colorado to research and demonstrate the integration of solar energy systems with agricultural practices, promoting sustainability and renewable energy.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations, public sector entities, and scalable for-profit companies in the U.S. to develop and promote innovative wood products and value chains that enhance sustainable forestry and rural economic development.

This program provides financial assistance to Colorado municipalities, counties, and other local entities affected by energy and mineral development to support community development projects.

This program provides funding to Illinois public housing authorities, municipalities, counties, townships, and nonprofits to conduct energy assessments for residential properties that assist low-income residents, helping identify improvements to reduce energy consumption.

This program provides funding to Maryland local governments, nonprofits, and businesses for planning and implementing energy resilience projects, particularly in low- and moderate-income communities, to enhance energy reliability and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local governments and federally recognized tribes in Washington state to improve the planning and permitting processes for clean energy projects like solar and wind, helping to reduce delays and enhance site readiness.

This program provides funding to local governments in Tennessee for energy efficiency projects in distressed counties, focusing on improving community resilience through upgrades to critical facilities like schools and emergency centers.

This program provides financial incentives for public and private fleets in Colorado to purchase new low-emission vehicles, promoting cleaner air and environmental sustainability.

This program provides funding to state agencies, local governments, public colleges, universities, K-12 public schools, and nonprofit organizations in Georgia to initiate and accelerate energy projects focused on efficiency, planning, workforce development, and resilience.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for projects that expand access to clean fueling and charging infrastructure for various vehicles and equipment in Santa Barbara County, prioritizing public benefit and emissions reduction.