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State Energy Program Funding
The Oklahoma State Energy Office receives congressionally appropriated funding from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to operate the State Energy Program (SEP). Funds are distributed according to a formula that depends on the state's size, population, energy use, etc.
States must submit an annual application the DOE that describes energy conservation, efficiency and renewable energy goals, proposed activities, source of funds, budget, progress and monitoring activities. Each state sets its own priorities according to its individual State Energy Plan, emphasizing development and deployment of technologies appropriate for its region. DOE has written both mandatory and optional activities into the State Energy Program that the states must implement.
Loan Programs
The State Energy Office administers loan programs that fund projects to increase energy efficiency in buildings or vehicles. The requirements for these types of projects are detailed in the information and forms below.
Alternative Fuel Vehicles Loan Program Guidance & Application
Community Energy Education Management Loan Program Guidance & Application
Energy Loan Fund for Schools Program Guidance & Application
Higher Education Energy Loan Program
Other Energy-Related Funding
USDA - Rural Development Funding
Section 9006 (Renewable Energy Efficiency/Energy Efficiency Program)
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) - Rural Development offers grants or loans to rural entities to purchase renewable energy systems and to make energy efficiency improvements. Several projects in Oklahoma have received funding from this program in the past few years. The Notice of Funding Availability is generally made at the beginning of each year.
The USDA Rural Development office in Oklahoma (405-742-1000) provides excellent guidance to agricultural producers or small businesses in rural areas with populations less than 50,000 interested in applying for funding from this program.
GRANTS.GOV
The United States Department of Energy and other federal agencies post over 1,000 grant programs on Grants.Gov. Individuals can sign up to receive notices of grants being announced by specific categories such as Energy. Grants are posted as funds become available.
Weatherization
Program Overview/Purpose
The Weatherization Assistance Program, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), enables low-income families to reduce their average annual energy bills by improving home energy efficiency. The Oklahoma Department of Commerce plans, implements, manages, and receives and distributes funds for the program. Commerce contracts with local Community Action Agencies (CAAs), which qualify individuals, manage the program at the local level, and provide weatherization services.
Types of Assistance Provided
Weatherization Assistance encompasses a wide variety of cost-effective energy efficiency measures including heating and cooling systems, electrical system, and energy-consuming appliances. Weatherization service providers check major energy systems to ensure occupant safety.
Specific services include the installation of energy-efficient measures such as attic insulation, caulking and weather stripping, air sealing and heating and cooling adjustments. An energy audit is conducted on each home to determine energy conserving measures that will be installed, and an average of $2,500 is spent on materials and labor for each home weatherized.
To Apply
Eligible applicants are low-income individuals and priority is given to the elderly, handicapped and families with children. Contact your local Community Action Agency for more information and to apply.
Related Websites
Weatherization Assistance Program Technical Assistance Center
Information for energy conservation professionals on WAP and DOE guidance documents, legislative updates, upcoming conferences and training seminars, public information campaign tools, samples and templates.
Commerce Contact:
Kathy McLaughlin
405-815-5339
800-879-6552
Weatherization Works; Donate to ECAF Today
To assist more families and provide addional energy conservation improvements, the Oklahoma Department of Commerce established the Energy Conservation Assistance Fund (ECAF).
Besides energy savings for low-income families, the weatherization of 1,400 homes each year across the state creates local jobs and annually funnels millions of dollars into Oklahoma's economy. The purchase of materials used in weatherization support local manufacturers and businesses in every county. For every $1 invested in the program, weatherization returns $1.53 in energy-related benefits.
With your donation to ECAF, you can help ensure this valuable service is available for eligible Oklahomans. Also, you and your company may receive a 50% tax credit against your Oklahoma tax liability.
Please send your check to: Energy Conservation Assistance Fund, Community Development Division, Oklahoma Department of Commerce, 900 N. Stiles, Oklahoma City, OK 73126. For more information, call 800-879-6552.
LIHEAP
Program Overview/Purpose
Provided by the U.S. Department of Human Services and contracted to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, LIHEAP funding extends the Weatherization Assistance Program to provide more energy-related cost savings for low-income Oklahomans.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants are low-income homeowners in all 77 Oklahoma counties and priority is given to the elderly, handicapped and families with children. Contact your local Community Action Agency for more information and to apply.
Related Websites
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Information for consumers and professionals.
Commerce Contact
Kathy McLaughlin
405-815-5339
800-879-6552
State Energy Office Contacts
Carolyn Sullivan
405-815-5347
800-879-6552
