What does this funding get me?
State energy offices will receive a pre-allocated portion of the $250 million available through this program established by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). According to an October 2023 DOE notice, North Carolina is entitled to $2,397,420 under this program and South Carolina $1,546,410. Once the funds are received, the states will provide loans and grants for energy efficiency audits, upgrades, and retrofits in commercial, residential, and public buildings.
Am I eligible?
Loans
States may offer residential loans to homeowners or to businesses that own or operate multifamily housing facilities. They may also offer loans to commercial, public, and nonprofit entities who own or operate one or more buildings, or space within a building, and conduct a majority of their business in the state.
Contractors working on homes and properties may be the direct recipient of the loan (instead of the property owner) provided the retrofit meets all program requirements.
Grants/Technical Assistance
A maximum of 25% of each state’s total award is available for grants and technical assistance, but these are limited to low-income individuals who own a residential building (definition of low-income can be found in section 36 here) and businesses that meet the criteria for receiving loans and have fewer than 500 employees.
How can I access the money?
North Carolina received $2,397,420 for Commercial and Public sectors. This funding will provide capitalization grants to NC’s State Energy Office to establish revolving loan funds that provide loans and grants to businesses and homeowners for energy efficiency audits, upgrades, and retrofits to increase energy efficiency.
Once funding is available from the SC state energy office, further information will be released about how to apply for loans and grants.
What is the timeline?
The DOE is announcing RLF Program awardees on a rolling basis and has not yet included South Carolina. Specific details on how these funds have been allocated or utilized in North Carolina are not readily available yet.
What other incentives could I use to help me accomplish my goals?
Check the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) for additional incentives that may be offered by your state, local government, or utility, as well as important federal, state, and local policies. For questions regarding DSIRE, contact Justin Lindemann (NC Clean Energy Technology Center) at jplindem@ncsu.edu.
South Carolina: Check out the energy efficiency revolving loan program operated by the Business Development Corporation of South Carolina. And check out the state’s Energy Saver Tool.
Where can I get more information?
- DOE web page on EE Revolving Loan Fund Capitalization Grant Program
- DOE program launch Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), including description of eligible projects
- More detailed FAQ, updated July 2024
- In addition to the resources listed above, a variety of organizations offer technical assistance that may help you access these funds. They are listed on our Get Help page.
- For specific questions on this program or for more assistance, contact Sally Robertson at info@energyfundsforall.org.