Energy Retrofits for Public Buildings

The Energy Retrofits for Public Buildings program provides grant funding for public entities such as towns, cities, tribes and public agencies to make energy updates to public buildings and facilities. These retrofits save money and reduce pollution for schools, hospitals, community centers, affordable housing, and other public buildings. The program includes grants for energy efficiency and solar for state and local governments, as well as the State Project Improvement grants to help state agencies invest in energy efficiency while making other improvements.

female insulation worker

Program Updates

Larger Cities, counties and tribes being allocated funding directly from the U.S. Department of Energy

The U.S. Department of Energy has announced the eligibility of larger cities and counties (PDF), and federally-recognized tribes (PDF) of Washington to apply directly to the federal government for EECBG formula funds. Applications from local governments are due to the federal Department of Energy by January 31, 2024. The DOE’s application template, Energy and Conservation Strategy, states that local governments of all sizes are expected to “coordinate and share information

EECBG (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant) program coming

The US Department of Energy, through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will be making formula fund awards to be administered by state energy offices. Commerce is in the process of preparing our application to receive these funds. The EECBG program offers three funding pathways in total: Larger cities, counties and tribes are being allocated funding directly from DOE. State energy offices will be distributing funds to counties, cities and tribes that

Funding Opportunities

HVAC Worker doing maintenance

Energy Efficiency Grants

The Energy Efficiency Grant Program funds projects for improvements to existing public-owned facilities and related projects that result in energy and operational cost savings. Energy Efficiency grants are serving communities throughout Washington.

Worker with tools maintaining photovoltaic panels in winter. Engineers installing solar panels.

Solar Grants

Solar Energy grants provide competitive funding to install solar at public buildings and facilities, such as schools, hospitals, civic buildings and wastewater treatment plants. These grants cut energy costs, reduce pollution and showcase solar projects in communities across the state.

Washington State Capitol Building

State Project Improvement Grants

SPI grants provide funding for state agencies to redesign building projects to increase energy efficiency and environmental performance. Funding covers the additional costs of more efficient project options, such as higher efficiency heating systems or windows, for projects at existing state-owned buildings. SPI grants cut energy costs, reduce pollution, and improve the health and comfort of state buildings in communities across the state.

Contact

Jill Eikenhorst, Solar Programs Supervisor
Email: EnergyRetrofits@Commerce.wa.gov
Phone: 360-522-0000

Kristen Kalbrener, Energy Efficiency & SPI
Email: EnergyRetrofits@Commerce.wa.gov
Phone: 360-515-8112

Jennifer Grove, Managing Director
Email: Jennifer.Grove@Commerce.wa.gov
Phone: 360-763-2213

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