The State Energy Program (SEP) promotes energy efficiency and conservation and is supported by financial and technical assistance through the U.S. Department of Energy.
Annually, the Department of Commerce, Division of Community Services (DCS), receives an allocation to implement the SEP program. Annual allocations vary but usually fall between $350,000 and $380,000.
The Division of Community Services makes SEP funds available to applicants for a variety of energy efficiency related activities. These include energy education, installation of energy efficient measures (building audits, lighting retrofits, HVAC upgrades, etc), transportation initiatives (alternative fuel vehicles and fueling systems) and renewable energy technologies (small scale wind turbines and solar technologies).
Grant priority is given to schools, political subdivisions, state agencies, and non-profit organizations. Applications must be for future projects. If your project is already underway or under contract, SEP funds cannot be awarded to your project. State Energy Program projects include but are not limited to: