Thanks to a federal grant, Austin Energy plans to accelerate energy efficiency projects at City of Austin, Texas, community-facing facilities, the public power utility said on Jan. 23.
Over the next two years, the utility will identify and implement energy efficiency programs at Austin Public Library, Austin Public Health and Parks and Recreation Department facilities.
“The improvements will reduce energy use, produce fewer greenhouse gases, enhance facility comfort and directly benefit vulnerable members of the Austin community,” it said.
The Austin City Council recently approved an ordinance amending the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Austin Energy Operating Budget Special Revenue Fund to accept and appropriate $855,340 in grant funds from the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of State and Community Energy Programs.
The award was part of the Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant (EECGB) program for commercial energy efficiency services programs.
One of 19 state and local governments to receive a portion of the more than $31 million in formula grants through the EECBG, Austin Energy plans to use this funding to help lower energy use, reduce emissions, and promote energy efficiency in the community.
Austin Energy joins the second cohort of recipients from more than 2,700 eligible states, territories, local governments and Tribes to receive a portion of the more than $430 million in formula funding.
Formula grants will be awarded on a rolling basis as DOE receives complete applications.
