WASHINGTON, DC — The Department of Energy (DOE) is awarding $1.989 million to 22 states to update and implement building energy codes, to help save consumers millions of dollars in energy bills and increase national energy security.

“These grants will enable states to improve the energy efficiency of new and renovated buildings by upgrading building codes, and will provide energy code training to more than 2,000 architects, builders, code officials, and engineers,” Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham said.

The DOE is providing funding through State Energy Program special project competitive grants and will make the awards before the end of this fiscal year. State energy offices and state code authorities will administer the awards.

The department has also provided technical assistance to several states to upgrade their building energy codes. New York, for example, recently adopted a building code which will go into effect in July and is expected to save $46 million in energy costs per year.

DOE’s investment in upgrading building energy codes has improved the energy efficiency of nearly 3 billion square feet of new commercial floor space and nearly 4 million households, and saved consumers an estimated $4.2 billion. For every dollar spent, the Building Energy Codes Program yields more than $105 in annual energy savings.

The building energy code grants being awarded are:

Arizona - $100,000

California - $100,000

Colorado - $125,000

Florida - $50,000

Hawaii - $30,000

Idaho - $100,000

Iowa - $55,000

Kansas - $59,000

Kentucky - $230,000

Maryland - $150,000

Minnesota - $65,000

Nebraska - $100,000

New Hampshire - $30,000

New York - $100,000

Oregon - $100,000

Pennsylvania - $100,000

Rhode Island - $180,000

Texas - $100,000

Utah - $50,000

Virginia - $15,000

Washington - $100,000

Wisconsin - $50,000

For more information on the State Energy Program, visit www.eren.doe.gov/buildings/state_energy/.

Publication date: 06/17/2002