June 25, 2009

Utah has been awarded $14.1 million today, toward an eventual sum of $35 million. "Utah is one of 10 states to receive millions of dollars for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects from the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Recovery Act," said Jason Berry, manager of the Utah State Energy Program.

Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced more than $204 million in Recovery Act funding. In order to be eligible for funding from DOE'S State Energy Program (SEP), states must have proposed statewide plans that prioritize energy savings, create or retain jobs, increase the use of renewable energy, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This initiative is part of the Obama Administration's national strategy to support job growth, while making an historic down payment on clean energy and conservation.

The Utah State Energy Program (USEP) will utilize Recovery Act funds to improve energy efficiency in residential, commercial, public education, and government buildings. The state will provide financial incentives to low-income housing developments and commercial and government buildings that perform energy efficiency upgrades. For instance, low-income housing units will qualify for free insulation upgrades and builders working on new construction developments will qualify for rebates if they build high performance buildings.

USEP will also use funding to collect more accurate data about the potential renewable energy resources in the state that can then be used to identify potential Renewable Energy Zones.

After demonstrating successful implementation of its plan, the state will receive more than $17 million in additional funding, for a total of more than $35 million.

In the following weeks, USEP will send out requests for proposals for approved projects and programs.

For more information on USEP's plan and process moving forward go to: http://geology.utah.gov/sep/stimulus/index.php or email energyrecovery@utah.gov.