Staff Reports
The city of Gainesville announced on Wednesday that it has been named the recipient of a $189,820 Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program award.
According to a city press release, the grant funds, from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), will be used to provide rebates for25-30 low-income households for energy efficiency upgrades, which will come through the Gainesville Regional Utilities’ (GRU) Low-Income Energy Efficiency Program.
“This award is not just a win for our community but also a crucial step towards our goal of net zero emissions by 2045,” said Gainesville Chief Climate Officer Dan Zhu in the press release.
Gainesville was one of 30 communities to receive an award in the EECBG Program’s fourth round of funding. The funds are aimed at reducing carbon emissions, lowering overall energy use and improving energy efficiency while helping residents save money on energy.
More than 14 categories of eligible use are included in the program funding, which enables communities to invest in projects already in motion to plan for a clean energy future, reduce energy burden and lower energy costs.
The EECBG Program awards were announced on Feb. 28. The first round of awards was announced in October 2023 and since then, 97 communities have been given $91.51 million. “Our commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency is stronger than ever, and this grant represents a significant milestone in our journey towards a more sustainable future,” said Zhu.