U.S. DOE Opens Applications For $36 Million Weatherization Grant To Boost Clean Energy Transition

As part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced the opening of applications for the $36 million Enhancement & Innovation (E&I) competitive grant program. This initiative aims to accelerate the nation’s transition to clean energy through demonstration projects that reduce heating and cooling bills for American families. The funding, provided through the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), will support projects that make low-income homes safer and more comfortable with the latest weatherization techniques, and serve as models for best practices nationwide.

“Today’s investments will expand the reach of the Weatherization Assistance Program: Helping low-income households while jumpstarting the clean energy economy,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “These grant recipients are deploying ambitious projects to create the nation’s first historically black, net-zero energy neighborhood, deploying solar technology, launching new workforce development tools and more. DOE is thrilled to offer another opportunity to bring scalable innovations for greener buildings while preparing a skilled, diverse American workforce with good-paying jobs.”

The WAP E&I grant program is designed to improve home efficiency and health, support the energy efficiency workforce, and advance President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative. Unlike the WAP program, which offers formula funding to state entities, the E&I program provides competitive funding and flexibility for a broader range of innovative weatherization activities, including renewable energy installations, electrification, enhanced health and safety measures, and workforce development. Projects could include on-the-job training for weatherization techniques such as replacing old wiring or repairing leaky roofs.

Successful grant projects will lower utility bills for communities with higher energy costs by increasing the number of weatherization-ready homes, preparing homes for electrification, adopting renewable energy technologies, implementing enhanced health and safety measures, and sharing new weatherization best practices. The program also encourages weatherization providers to hire, train, and retain employees within their local communities, offering good-paying jobs.

DOE plans to issue multiple awards, each with a maximum amount of $2 million. Eligible entities include existing WAP grantees, subgrantees, and other nonprofit organizations. Applications will be accepted in three categories: Multifamily, Single Family & Manufactured Housing, or Workforce Development.

An optional informational webinar for potential applicants will take place on August 6, 2024, at 2 pm ET. Applications are due by September 27, 2024. DOE intends to announce E&I selections in late February 2025.

Since 1976, WAP has served over seven million households, reducing household energy bills by up to 30%. Projects supported by this funding will expand the types of residential buildings eligible for energy efficiency retrofits, prepare more homes for electrification, and increase opportunities for local clean energy jobs. The program will also provide targeted benefits to communities disproportionately impacted by high energy costs, supporting the Biden Administration’s commitment to an equitable clean energy transition.