DOE now accepting applications for weatherization grant program
Applications are now open for the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) $25 million competitive grant program for new innovations in weatherization.
This Enhancement & Innovation (E&I) program seeks to accelerate the clean energy transition through demonstration projects that will explore new weatherization techniques and technologies that will make low-income homes more comfortable and safer. The program is also an opportunity to showcase best practices that could possibly be emulated and adopted more widely.
The E&I grant program is part of the $3.5 billion appropriated for the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
“Today’s funding will expand the reach of the Weatherization Assistance Program to invest in more low-income households and create clean energy jobs,” U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm said. “The Enhancement and Innovation grants help support ambitious projects customized for local community needs: creating net-zero energy neighborhoods through community solar panels, addressing structural repairs necessary to complete weatherization, even establishing a workforce training program for the next generation of clean energy professionals—the sky’s the limit.”
Successful grant projects will seek to expand the number of weatherization-ready homes among low-income households, increase renewable energy technology, expand health and safety measures, and disseminate new weatherization best practices. The DOE intends to issue multiple awards, with a maximum individual award amount of $2 million. Eligible entities include existing WAP Grantees, WAP Subgrantees, as well as other nonprofit organizations.
An informational webinar will be held on July 20 for potential applicants. Also, concept papers are due on Aug. 31 and full applications are due on Jan. 5, 2024. DOE plans to announce the E&I selections in June of 2024.
Since 1976, the WAP has served seven million households, which have seen an average of $372 in annual energy savings.
For more information and the full funding opportunity announcement, visit the Weatherization Assistance Program website at Energy.gov.
