WASHINGTON (CN) — The U.S. Department of Energy has provided another $12.1 million to support energy-saving projects in public facilities and low-income homes in 27 states.
The money comes from the agency’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program and is the sixth round of funding announced since October 2023. Since its inception, the program has doled out more than $130.5 million to 151 communities.
“The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to lowering energy costs and increasing energy resilience for communities,” Energy Secretary Jennifer M. Granholm said in a statement. “Thanks to the President’s agenda, federal funding is going directly to state and local governments to help lessen the energy burdens felt across the nation and generate cleaner, cheaper power while creating a healthier environment for all.”
The money was awarded to 54 projects led by three states and 14 local governments. The states will mostly use their awards as subgrants to local governments.
The projects include funds to conduct energy assessments and upgrades at community centers and schools, develop climate action plans and launch solar incentive programs for low-income households.
Virginia will receive the most money, at $2.6 million. After subgranting 60% of its funding to small and rural local governments, the state will launch a marketing and outreach program to help residents decrease energy costs and navigate financial incentives for clean energy.
Tennessee will receive about $2.5 million for grants to eight counties to conduct energy efficiency audits and retrofits of publicly owned buildings like schools and hospitals.
Chicago received the most single award for a city, at $2.2 million. The money will help support building electrification, establish a fleet-electrification plan for government vehicles, create a public electric vehicle curbside-charging plan and conduct energy assessments on public buildings.
The biggest award for a county went to Clark County, Nev. — home to Las Vegas — which received $844,640. The county will establish an energy program to consolidate tax credits, rebates and incentive opportunities for residents.
Other awards include $2 million for Houston to install solar panels at a municipal facility, establish a loan fund, update energy codes and conduct retrofits. Meanwhile, San Jose, Calif., will get $834,000 to boost electrification programs in 250 buildings.