Biden Administration Announces $25 Million to Support Weatherization Projects

The U.S. Energy Department on June 27 announced the launch of its $25 million Enhancement & Innovation, or E&I, competitive grant program, which is a part of the $3.5 billion allocated to the Weatherization Assistance Program, or WAP, within the framework of the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. With this significant funding pool, the E&I program aims to expedite the clean energy transition through the implementation of demonstration projects. These initiatives would prioritize the comfort and safety of low-income homes and also serve as opportunities to explore pioneering weatherization techniques and cutting-edge technology. The department highlighted that these grants play a pivotal goal in advancing the nation’s goals on mitigating the climate crisis, empowering the workforce, and promoting environmental justice.

The E&I grant program aims to prioritize environmental and economic benefits for disadvantaged communities. The WAP initiative provides formula funding to state entities. The E&I program program, which complements WAP, offers competitive funding and greater flexibility allowing a wider range of novel weatherization activities, which include the installation of renewable energy technologies, electrification, more expansive health and safety measures, and workforce development.

The department will issue multiple awards with a maximum individual amount of $2 million. For potential applicants, an optional informational webinar is scheduled to take place on July 20, 2023. Concept Papers must be submitted by Aug. 31, 2023, while full applications are due on Jan. 5, 2024. The department intends to announce the E&I grant program selections in June 2024.

WAP is the oldest energy efficiency program in the U.S. serving all counties in all the states, the District of Columbia, and the five U.S. territories. Since its inception in 1976, the program has assisted seven million households, resulting in an average annual energy savings of $372. The program has historically supported 8,500 jobs and provided weatherization services to 35,000 homes annually. The investments create jobs, support workforce development, and retention; enable service providers to leverage innovative technologies in energy retrofits and enhance the potential of applying these new technologies on a larger scale. The announced awards would also enable the achievement of the Biden administration’s Justice40 Initiative, designed to deliver 40 percent of the benefits of clean energy and climate investments to disadvantaged communities.