WASHINGTON D.C. — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced local education agencies can apply for energy improvement grants totaling $80 million. The grants will focus on supporting schools in rural and/or high poverty areas.
The funds can be used for energy efficiency projects like HVAC system upgrades, alternative vehicles and infrastructure improvements.
The grants come from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act which provided $500 million in grants for energy improvements in public school facilities from 2022-2026. The funding is intended for infrastructure improvements to make schools a healthier learning environment for students and provide future cost savings for the schools.
Concept papers are due Jan. 26 and full applications are due April 21 to the DOE. Project partners may include state and local government agencies, utilities, and non-government entities like community organizations, unions and energy-focused groups. DOE will encourage schools to focus on projects that provide sustaining benefits, serve the surrounding community and can be completed quickly.