CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The City of Charlotte is proud to announce its selection as a recipient of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program.
This funding opportunity, made possible by the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will empower Charlotte to significantly enhance its renewable energy and sustainability efforts.
The city will use the $777,930 grant award to support the Solarize Charlotte Mecklenburg program, an initiative that will educate the community on the benefits of solar energy while encouraging solar installation as well as providing solar energy installations for low- and moderate-income (LMI) households.
This funding aligns with the city’s commitment to renewable energy and sustainability, as outlined in its Strategic Energy Action Plan created to reach Charlotte’s goal of increasing the use of renewable, carbon-free energy and supports one of the Five Stages to Zero Carbon by promoting onsite energy generation.
The Solarize program, a Department of Energy best practice, is designed to reduce barriers and costs for residents by leveraging education and group purchasing power.
“We are excited to launch the Solarize program, which will provide much-needed access to renewable energy for our community, particularly low- and moderate-income residents,” said Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles. “This initiative not only supports our goals for a low-carbon community by 2050 but also demonstrates that all Charlotteans can benefit from clean energy solutions.”
The funds from this grant will specifically go to:
- Direct Solar Installations: Approximately $545,000 will be allocated for solar installations at LMI households, ensuring equitable access to clean energy.
- Program Administration: The city’s share of administrative costs, amounting to $213,000, will support the effective rollout of the program.
- Capacity Building: An investment of $19,000 will be dedicated to strengthening local organizations that work directly with LMI communities.
To implement the Solarize campaign and expand its impact, the city will contract with the Centralina Regional Council, which will oversee the program and coordinate participation from other local governments in Mecklenburg County.
As part of a broader initiative, the EECBG Program is distributing more than $430 million in formula funding to communities across the country, with a focus on improving energy efficiency, reducing fossil fuel emissions and cutting energy consumption. The program supports a wide array of projects that will serve more than 250 million Americans, addressing the unique energy needs of diverse communities.
