The Department of Commerce announced over $8.6 million in Round Two energy efficiency and solar grant awards to five higher education institutions, 21 local governments, and two state agencies on December 12, 2014.
Round Two produced an overwhelming response – 70 applications in all, requesting a total of nearly $22 million. The estimated total project costs for all awarded projects is about $30.5 million, including $21.8 million in non-state funds. In March 2014, 45 successful public entities in Round One were awarded $14 million in grant funds, helping to leverage an additional $35 million in non-state funds for energy saving and solar projects.
The immediate goal of Energy Efficiency and Solar Grants program is to help stimulate Washington’s economy by creating jobs. Longer term goals include reducing energy costs at the state’s public higher education institutions, local government facilities and state agencies, and promoting the use of Washington-manufactured solar products, including solar modules and inverters.