As part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced the opening of applications for the $36 million Enhancement & Innovation (E&I) competitive grant program. This initiative aims to accelerate the nation’s transition to clean energy through demonstration projects that will lower heating and cooling bills for American families. The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) will support low-income homes by implementing advanced weatherization techniques, enhancing safety and comfort, and showcasing best practices nationwide.
“Today's investments will expand the reach of the Weatherization Assistance Program: Helping low-income households while jumpstarting the clean energy economy,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. "These grant recipients are deploying ambitious projects to create the nation’s first historically-black, net-zero energy neighborhood, deploying solar technology, launching new workforce development tools and more. DOE is thrilled to offer another opportunity to bring scalable innovations for greener buildings, while preparing a skilled, diverse American workforce with good-paying jobs.”
The WAP E&I grant program aims to make homes efficient and healthy, support the energy efficiency workforce, and advance President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative. Unlike the formula funding offered by WAP to state entities, the E&I program provides competitive funding and flexibility for a broader range of innovative weatherization activities such as installing renewable energy technologies, electrification, health and safety measures, and comprehensive workforce development.
Successful grant projects will lower utility bills for communities with higher energy costs by increasing weatherization-ready homes, preparing more homes for electrification, adopting renewable energy technologies, deploying enhanced health and safety measures, and sharing new weatherization best practices. Additionally, the program encourages hiring local employees with good-paying jobs.
DOE plans to issue multiple awards with a maximum amount of $2 million each. Eligible entities include existing WAP grantees, subgrantees, and other nonprofit organizations. Applications will be accepted in three categories: Multifamily Housing; Single Family & Manufactured Housing; or Workforce Development.
An optional informational webinar for potential applicants is scheduled for August 6 at 2 pm ET. Applications are due by September 27. DOE intends to announce E&I selections in late February 2025.
Since its inception in 1976, WAP has served over seven million households with up to a 30% reduction in household energy bills. Projects supported by this funding will expand residential buildings eligible for retrofits, prepare more homes for electrification, increase opportunities for local clean energy jobs, and provide targeted benefits to communities disproportionately impacted by high energy burdens.
Through its Office of State and Community Energy Programs, DOE oversees these programs ensuring no communities are left behind in transitioning to a clean energy future.
For more information visit the Weatherization Assistance Program website or see the full Funding Opportunity Announcement.
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