The awards will “improve the energy efficiency of transportation and buildings, and provide public education to improve energy efficiency statewide,” Abraham said.

The SEP awards will be administered by the respective states’ energy offices. SEP funds have improved the energy efficiency of more than 69,000 buildings nationwide and have annually supported about 6,300 jobs. States leverage an average of $4 for every $1 in SEP funding through a 20% matching contribution and other funding sources, enhancing the program’s effectiveness.

The State Energy Program provides formula-based funding to states to design and carry out their own programs to promote energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power.

For more information on the program, and for state energy office contacts, visit www.eren.doe.gov/buildings/state_energy/.

— by Greg Mazurkiewicz

Publication date: 07/15/2002