In support of the President’s Investing in America agenda and the Justice40 Initiative, US DOE announced $27 million in financial and technical assistance awarded to 40 partner teams of states, local governments, and Tribes through the Energy Future Grants (EFG) Program. Two Wisconsin projects were awarded $500,000 each in the building sector, River Falls and Madison. Energy Future Grants supports multijurisdictional partnership efforts to advance innovative clean energy programs that will enhance energy affordability, access, and opportunities for communities.
These Phase 1 projects are for planning, technical assistance, and cohort-based support, and become eligible to compete for $1 million in implementation funding in Phase 2. The City of River Falls project, Community-Based Weatherization/Electrification Together, is designed to create a universally scalable and adaptable approach for crafting localized, adaptable electrification programs across sectors in a collaborated effort uniting states, localities, and tribal communities in partnership with community-owned electric utilities and non-profit organizations. It combines electrification with weatherization, which will lead to a decrease in utility costs and greenhouse gas emissions and increase adaptability to cold and extreme weather events. Madison’s Project, Growing the Efficiency Navigator Program is an innovative and inclusive energy program for affordable multifamily housing.