Applications are now accepted for amounts up to $225,000. The required match is now waived! Cities and counties may apply their own procurement policy rather than the State’s so long as the cost of work is within market norms.
Quotes from prior recipients:
“Receiving the EECBG grant has been an incredible benefit for our county. With no prior budget allocation for furnace replacements this year, we were facing significant challenges. Thanks to this grant, we were able to take swift action and replace two critical furnaces, ensuring reliable service and avoiding the costly inefficiencies of temporary fixes.“ Amy Mittleider, Deputy Auditor, Dickey County
Background: In 2024, the US Department of Energy (DOE) provided grant funds totaling $1.6 million to the State of North Dakota for energy-related efficiency application by smaller communities and counties. [The 10 largest counties and cities of the state are each eligible to receive direct (formula) funding for EECBG projects from US Department of Energy.]
Purpose: Applications for the following projects to include materials and labor will be accepted:
- Energy Efficiency Up-grades in Public Buildings. This may include weatherization, installation of efficient heating and cooling systems and appliances, water efficiency measures, energy management systems such as smart thermostats, heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, cooking equipment, and associated wiring and panel upgrades.
- Street and Signal Light Replacement – limited to lighting with LED or other technology of equal or greater value. (This excludes light poles, etc.)
- EV Charging Stations in community accessible areas.
Who may apply: The 43 North Dakota counties and 356 North Dakota cities that were not eligible for formula grants directly from the Federal government are eligible to apply. This criterion excludes the 10 largest counties and 10 largest cities by population as well as tribal government (all of which were eligible for direct formula EECBG grants from DOE).
Size of the Grants: Grants, now up to $225,000. Match requirement is now waived.
Application and Selection Process: Applications may be submitted at any time signed by the highest elected official of the county or the city. A completed Energy Savings Analysis (SFN 59261) with accompanying math should be included with an application. The Division of Community Services intends to issue grants to communities until all of the funds have been obligated and are exhausted.
Requirements and Guidelines:
- Only those counties and cities that are not among the 10 largest of each by population can be consider for this program.
- These grants are subject to Davis-Bacon wage rates and administrative requirements. Contractors that community’s contract with will be required to provide web-based sign up for the Department of Energy’s (DOE) LCPTracker account and report wages electronically on a weekly basis.
- Projects with a total cost of $250,000 or more must meet Build American – Buy America (BABA) requirements.
- A NEPA review will be required for ground disturbance. This primarily impacts EV charging station grants.
- The local government/applicants must be registered at SAM.gov and have a Unique Entity ID (UEI) in order to be eligible.
- Projects must be for future projects. If your project is already underway or under contract, EECBG funds cannot be awarded to your project.
- Cities and Counties may apply their own procurement policy so long as cost of work is within market norms.
- Funds are provided on a reimbursement basis after receipt of supporting documentation.
- Applications for the installation of Building energy efficient measures and Street and/or Signal Lighting Replacement must include a completed Energy Savings Analysis.
- Projects for the installation of Building energy efficient measures and Street and/or Signal Lighting Replacement need to show an energy savings with a payback timeframe of 30 years or less. (Projects that consist primarily of window upgrades or building maintenance work such as roof replacements are unlikely to meet this requirement).
- When the project costs $50,000 or more the Energy Saving Analysis (ESA) form must be signed by an engineer. When less than this amount, the form can be signed by a vendor, a representee of a energy service provide, an electrician or an engineer. The math used to calculate the figured provided in the ESA form must be included along with the signed form for review.
- Applications must provide a detailed explanation of your project and must describe the benefit or result you are working to achieve.
- Local governments may use the funds for their own facilities or for a non-profit facility within their jurisdiction.
- After selection of a project, ND Commerce is required to provide the Department of Energy up to 30 days to review the project prior to proceeding in issuing the grant.
For information about the program, contact Kevin Iverson, SEP/ECG Program Administrator at (701) 328-5385.
Ineligible Local Governments - as they were eligible for formula funds:
Ineligible counties are: Burleigh, Cass, Grand Forks, McKenzie, Morton, Richland, Stark, Stutsman, Ward and Williams.
Ineligible cities are: Bismarck, Dickinson, Fargo, Grand Forks, Jamestown, Mandan, Minot, Wahpeton, West Fargo and Williston.
Program Documents
Energy Efficiency Community Block Grant (SFN 62569)
Energy Saving Analysis (SFN 59261)
Section 106 Clearance (SFN 52654)
When required this form with supporting attachments can be emailed to: shsculturalreview@nd.gov for review.
Davis Bacon Energy Project Contractor Input (SFN 62570)
Energy Reimbursement Request (SFN 59519)