Energy efficiency and moving toward a more sustainable, greener economy is a top priority for me and many of my colleagues in the North Carolina House of Representatives.
Making an effort to keep our state moving in a green direction is particularly important in this changing economy. By embracing renewable energy resources and adapting to more energy efficient standards, our state and our economy will be at a great advantage now and in the future.
In the face of financial difficulties, federal stimulus funds played a significant role in advancing North Carolina’s green economy. The following information highlights just some of the ways federal stimulus dollars have been spent on energy projects across the state.
If you have any questions, or if I can be of assistance, please feel free to contact me. Thank you as always for your interest in the work of the General Assembly and state government and thank you for your support.
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant
The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant is currently administered through the U.S. Department of Energy by the State Energy Office within the Department of Commerce. The controlling federal legislation for the program is the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007. The purpose of the program is to assist cities, counties, states, territories, and Indian tribes to develop, promote, implement, and manage energy efficiency and conservation projects and programs. The Recovery Act marks the first time that the program has been funded by the federal government. Under the Recovery Act, $3.2 billion was allocated to the program. North Carolina’s share is $58,050,300. Thirty-three designated cities, counties and the Cherokee Indians are receiving a total of $37.4 million directly, based on a population formula. The remaining $29.9 million is being distributed to non-designated communities, public school systems and community colleges based on a plan developed by the N.C. Energy Office and the state Office of Economic Recovery and Investment and approved by the U.S. Department of Energy.
Weatherization Program
The Weatherization Program is a part of the N.C. Energy Office in the Department of Commerce. The program receives federal funding from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Weatherization Assistance Program, created by the Energy Conservation and Production Act of 1976. Under the program, federal funding flows through the states to Community Action Agencies or other selected local providers, to perform energy efficiency related repairs to residences below a certain poverty threshold. Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the federal program received an additional $5 billion funds, compared to $227 million in 2008. The state received $131,954,536 in Recovery Act funds, compared to approximately $9 million in SFY 2009. For more information on details of North Carolina’s Weatherization Program, a list of local providers and information on eligibility, click on the Weatherization link on the N.C. Energy Office Web site.
State Energy Program
The State Energy Program is currently managed by the State Energy Office in the N.C. Department of Commerce. At the federal level, the program is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s State Energy Program. The program was established by the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975, and has been altered since by subsequent federal legislation. The purpose of the program is to provide funding to the states to design and carry out energy related programs. Specifically, the program is designed to increase energy efficiency; reduce energy costs; improve energy reliability; promote and develop alternative resources of energy; promote economic growth; and reduce reliance on imported oil. Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the program received $3.1 billion dollars nationally, compared to $185 million in FFY 2008. North Carolina received $75,989,000 in Recovery Act funds, compared to $750,000 in FFY 2008.
Smart Grid Investment Grant Program
North Carolina has received $403,927,899 for the Smart Grid Investment Grant Program. Both Progress Energy and Duke Energy received awards directly from the U.S. Energy Department; however the funding will support projects in their service area (which will include areas outside of NC). For the coverage maps of affected areas in the Smart Grid program, go to: click here.
Appliance Rebates
North Carolina’s Energy Office will be managing the Energy Star Appliance Replacement Rebate Program. The US Department of Energy allocated $8,848,616 to the state for appliance rebates. The state’s plan has been approved by the U.S. Energy Department. There will be 15 percent rebates on the price of Energy Star rated refrigerators, freezers, clothes washing machines and dishwashing machines during a five-day period on Earth Day weekend, April 22 through April 25. Depending on how much money remains after the initial phase of the program, there will be a mail-in rebate program in June that would include the designated appliances as well as some Energy Star water hearing systems, home heating and air conditioning systems as well as tank-less water heaters. More details on the program will be announced in February and March.
Summary
For more detail on State Programs, go to: click here.
Meetings/Events
I plan to attend the following meetings/events:
Please invite me to attend your county, city, community or civic, etc. meetings or events.
As I’ve said many times before, I hope you will continue to let me know how you feel about the issues that are being debated by the North Carolina Legislature and the challenges you and your family are facing each day.
By working together, we can make Northampton, Vance and Warren Counties and all regions of North Carolina a better place to live, work and raise a family.
Please remember that you can use the General Assembly’s Web site to look up bills, view lawmaker biographies and access other information. The site also contains detailed information about the state budget and legislative schedules.