Proposals due Aug. 10 by 2 p.m.
Stimulus funding available for energy efficiency upgrade projects

The North Carolina Energy Office is soliciting proposals from local governments, public K-12 schools and community colleges for energy efficiency upgrade projects using commercially available technologies that reduce energy consumption and reduce emissions.

All facilities must be located in North Carolina. Funds for this opportunity come from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and are intended to result in significant and sustained job creation and energy efficiency.

The Energy Office is requesting projects that are cost effective and can be quickly implemented while attaining job creation and retention and achievement of energy efficiency goals. The focus of this grant is the reduction of energy consumption and provision of jobs or retention of existing jobs. Building retrofits must result in sustainable energy savings.

The successful applicant must manage and monitor the retrofit work, verify energy savings and verify economic benefits, including job creation and retention. Eligible projects are limited to: lighting retrofits, such as switching T-12 to T-8 or T-5; installation of lighting control technology, including occupancy sensors; retro-commissioning of HVAC equipment and energy management systems; installation of premium efficient motors and/or drives; basic weatherization; and heating and air conditioning analysis, optimization, repair and replacement (boilers are excluded).

Approximately $4 million is available for selected awardees. The minimum application amount that will be considered will be $100,000, and the maximum grant award is $500,000. A copy of the solicitation can be found at www.energync.net/resources/docs/press/MainStRound2_POSTED_06-28-2010.pdf (PDF). Questions should be submitted in writing no later than 2 p.m. on Monday, July 19, 2010, to Richard Self at rbself@nccommerce.com, or (919) 733-2953 (fax). Proposals must be received no later than 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2010.