DNREC’s Division of Energy & Climate to hold public workshops Oct. 30 and 31 on new energy efficiency industrial grants

Workshops to discuss updates to existing program, new industrial grants, and grant opportunities for participating contractors

DOVER – DNREC’s Division of Energy & Climate will host two public workshops to discuss updates to the Energy Efficiency Investment Fund (EEIF), and to announce the launch of a new program, Energy Efficiency Industrial (E2I) grants. Both public workshops will cover the same topics. The workshops will take place at:

  • 4:00 p.m. Monday, Oct. 30, at the Pat Ellis Conference Room, 391 Lukens Drive, in New Castle
  • 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31, at the DNREC Auditorium, in the Richardson & Robbins Building, 89 Kings Highway, in Dover

The EEIF and E2I programs offer grant funds and low-interest loans for energy efficiency upgrades. Since 2011, EEIF has helped businesses, non-profits, and local governments make upgrades to their buildings to save energy and lower utility bills. The workshops will discuss updates to this program, including a new pathway for Combined Heat and Power (CHP) projects, and an opportunity for businesses to apply as participating contractors. Participating contractors will be recognized on the DNREC website, where potential customers can search for contractors experienced with the EEIF process.

The new E2I program will focus on innovative energy efficiency updates for large-scale energy users. E2I is open to Delmarva Power customers who use at least 10,000 MWh and/or 95,000 MMBtu per year. Applications for E2I and for participating contractors will be accepted beginning Monday, Nov. 6.

“We have seen time and time again that energy efficiency is one of the most cost-effective ways to lower energy use and lower operations costs, making commercial buildings more affordable and environmentally friendly,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “Last year, Delaware’s EEIF grants supported 146 projects that, collectively, will result in lower electricity use amounting to 29 million kilowatt-hours per year. These grantees will save almost $3.5 million in electricity costs and over $2 million in heating costs. Also through these energy savings, EEIF projects will lower carbon emissions by saving the equivalent of emissions produced by more than 7,000 homes’ annual energy use, or the emissions produced in a year by more than 14,000 vehicles.”

For more information, visit de.gov/eeif, or contact DNREC’s Division of Energy & Climate at 302-735-3480.

Media Contact: Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902.