The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation’s Office of Energy Programs announced today the launch of the next phase of the state’s Qualified Energy Conservation Bond Program (QECB), as well as a series of workshops throughout the state providing information on how these bonds can be utilized for energy savings projects.
Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds were created by Congress in 2008 and expanded in 2009 by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Tennessee’s total allocation for the program is approximately $64.7 million. More than $18.1 million has been, or is currently scheduled to be issued for qualifying projects by jurisdictions automatically eligible under the federal legislation.
The QECB program will make the remaining $46.6 million available for qualifying projects. Entities eligible to participate in the program include all local government jurisdictions in Tennessee, along with public universities. Local governments can issue the bonds on behalf of a private project, with conditions. The Office of Energy Programs will release a Request for Proposals in October 2013. The RFP will be available at http://www.tn.gov/environment/energy/qualified-energy-conservation-bonds.shtml.
“This program presents an opportunity for more communities and public institutions across the state to take advantage of bonds that offer very attractive rates, in order to fund energy savings projects that both lower ongoing energy-related costs and benefit the environment,” Environment and Conservation Commissioner Bob Martineau said.
Leading up to the October 2013 RFP release, the Office of Energy Programs will conduct a series of lunch and learn workshops around the state as part of the Tennessee Energy Education Initiative. Each of the workshops will feature valuable information about the QECB Program, including presentations from bond experts and case studies from successful projects. Lunch and learn workshops will be offered at the following locations:
· Sept. 3: Ellington Agricultural Center’s Ed Jones Auditorium in Nashville
· Sept. 6: UT Conference Center in Knoxville
· Sept. 11: Jackson Energy Authority Training Center Auditorium in Jackson
· Sept. 12: Green Spaces in Chattanooga
All workshops will take place from 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. local time and lunch is complementary. Registration for the workshops is free, but space is limited. Register online at http://tnenergy.org/events/.
Additional information on the QECB program is available through TDEC’s Office of Energy Programs, 615-532-0238 or pete.westerholm@tn.gov. The Tennessee Energy Education Initiative and related events information is available through Pathway Lending at 615-425-7171 or http://tnenergy.org.