PA Department of Environmental Protection Launches Energy Efficiency Grant and Loan Program

/

The PA Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) recently launched a new program to help local governments develop and implement energy efficiency upgrades for their buildings. The Municipal Opportunities for Retrofits and Energy Efficiency (MORE) program offers grants to $50,000 each and loans to PA municipalities and municipal authorities that are ineligible for direct EECBG allocations. Applications are open now, and awards are first come, first served.

Approximately $1.8 million in grant funds will be offered through October 25, 2024, $1 million of which is on reserve through August 30 for “priority” communities based on need.

The intent of the MORE program is to help local PA governments pay for energy efficiency upgrades, building retrofits, and onsite renewable energy generation (when paired with energy efficiency), while lowering utility bills and fighting climate change pollution. Grant funds may be used to conduct an ASHRAE Level 2 Energy Audit, design Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs), develop the MORE loan application, and buy down the loan interest rate to as low as 0% with any remaining funds. ASHRAE Level 2 Energy Audits performed within the last 5 years can be used.

The MORE loan application period opened June 3, 2024, and will remain open as long as funds are available. The minimum loan available is $5,000, and the program offers repayment terms up to 15 years. The loan application requires submission of the Level 2 audit and ECM design.

MORE program participants are strongly encouraged to apply for the grant first, as it is intended to reduce the hurdles of securing financing for energy efficiency projects.

Who is eligible for MORE? Eligible applicants for the MORE Program are PA local governments that are ineligible for an Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). A full list of local governments allocated EECBG awards that are not eligible for a MORE grant can be found here.

Eligible local government entities include:

  • Counties

  • Cities

  • Boroughs

  • Towns

  • Townships

  • Municipal Authorities

Program Timeline - The MORE Grant application will only be open from June 3, 2024 to October 25, 2024, but the MORE loan will continue accepting applications as long as funds are available. As a revolving loan fund, the MORE Loan does not have a closing date.

  •  June 3, 2024: MORE grant and MORE loan opened 

  •  August 30, 2024: Priority applicant window for the MORE grant closes

  •  October 25, 2024: MORE grant application closes

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Energy & Sustainability Services
Paul Spiegel, P.E., LEED AP | paul.spiegel@ssmgroup.com