Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant FAQs
Program FAQs:
Who are the eligible entities that can apply for a subgrant award under this Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program?
Local governments (cities and counties within the State of Kansas) who are not eligible for direct funding from the Department of Energy (DOE). Only the largest of cities and counties in the State were eligible to receive funding directly from the DOE.
What is the overall goal of the Program?
The goal of the Program is to extend the capacity and capabilities of states, tribes, and local governments to implement high-impact, self-sustaining energy projects, especially located in low-income and disadvantaged communities.
What projects are eligible under this Program?
The Kansas Corporation Commission has chosen to fund projects involving the replacement of “traffic signals and street lighting” from DOE’s list of eligible projects to be funded by this funding opportunity.
What is the scope of work that can be funded under this Program?
The KCC can fund the cost of the LED light bulbs and any ancillary equipment that would be necessary for installation of the LED bulbs for the proper functioning of the lighting.
However, guidance from DOE states, “modification of structures or equipment necessary for proper installation and function of energy efficient equipment (e.g., modification of street light poles or mast arms) may be eligible with prior approval from DOE.” Further DOE guidance states, “The replacement of a lighting fixture, an arm, a pole, or any part of a light is an eligible use of funds if the more efficient lighting technology necessitates such a replacement. However, regular maintenance is an ineligible cost. For example, EECBG Program funds cannot be used to replace a rotten pole due to insufficient maintenance. LED lights should be procured with strong warranty terms and meet certifications (e.g., ENERGY STAR or otherwise) to ensure energy performance, longevity and lighting quality over time.”
All fixtures or parts funded other than light bulbs must adhere to BABA requirements. Waivers are available but must be applied for.
If only LED light bulbs are to be replaced and no other equipment is necessary for the replacement, BABA requirements are not applicable.
Can funding be used for lighting of ball parks, sidewalks, or parking lots?
DOE has defined a “street light” as “an outdoor source of light that is raised and that is intended to provide functional illumination to the area below the light.” Therefore ball parks, sidewalks, and parking lots, all would be considered “street lights” and eligible for funding as long as the project involves the “replacement of lights” and not poles and other equipment.
Can funding be used to replace poles and other support components?
DOE does also give guidance that “a lighting fixture, an arm, a pole, or any part of the light is an eligible use of funds if the more efficient lighting technology necessitates such a replacement. For example, the EECBG Program funds cannot be used to replace a rotten pole due to insufficient maintenance.”
How much funding is available to be subgranted to eligible entities?
The KCC has received $1,914,100 from the DOE. The KCC must subgrant to eligible entities at least 60% of this total amount within 180 days of receipt of funding, which occurred on February 9, 2024. This equates to at least $1,148,460 available to the smaller cities and counties in the State.
Does Buy America, Build America (BABA) apply to the replacement of traffic signals and street lighting?
No. LED light bulbs do not have to comply with the BABA standard. However, any light fixtures or poles and other support components will be required to apply to BABA standards.
Application FAQs:
How does my city or county apply for this Program?
Applications and all required documentation must be submitted online using the Kansas Infrastructure Hub Submittable Portal. The Submittable Portal is a an online application-based program that simplifies the application process and manages applicant profiles and proposals across a variety of Kansas state agency funding opportunities. An Application Guide can be found on the KCC’s website.
What is the deadline for applications?
There is no deadline for applications except the requirement to subgrant 60% of the funds to small local governments prior to the end of the 180 day period mentioned above. The KCC intends to award subgrants on a first-come-first-served basis.
Does the KCC have a minimum or maximum project limit with the limited amount of funding available?
The KCC is not imposing a limit on the size or scope of any project at this time.
Is there a cost match component to this funding opportunity?
No, there is no required cost match.
Subgrants:
How will the grant be provided to the recipient?
The subgrant will require a Grant Agreement between the recipient and the KCC. That document is currently being drafted and may take up to a month to finalize (approximately May 1st). All terms and conditions applicable in KCC’s grant agreement from DOE must flow down to each subrecipient’s agreement, including compliance with Federal, State, and Municipal Law, NEPA Requirements, Reporting Requirements, Payment Procedures, Nondisclosure and Confidentiality Assurances, Conflict of Interest, Davis-Bacon Requirements, and Buy America Requirement.
How long after the application is submitted will it take before funding for the project is received?
The KCC will bundle at least 5 applications together to present to the DOE for their approval. The DOE states that their review will take no more than 30 days and if approval has not been received after 30 days from the date of submission, the KCC may proceed to award the proposed agreement.