Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program
The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) has received notice of award from the Department of Energy (DOE) on KCC’s Block Grant application submitted in response to Section 40552 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). The stated purpose of the DOE’s EECBG Program is to assist units of local governments in implementing strategies to reduce total energy use of the eligible entities, improve energy efficiency in the building sector, and build an equitable energy economy that prioritizes rural, underserved and disadvantaged communities and promotes equity and inclusion in workforce opportunities. The KCC’s allocation from the DOE will total $1,914,100.00.
Under the Program, States may make subawards to local governments (counties and cities) who did not directly receive federal grants under the Program. The KCC intends to support with this Program, through subgrants to local governments, projects limited to include only the replacement of traffic signals and/or street lighting with energy efficient lighting technology with a particular focus to rural, underserved and disadvantaged communities in Kansas. Many publicly owned facilities in Kansas’ rural, underserved or disadvantaged communities are aging and inefficient, incurring high costs for energy and maintenance. Replacement of streetlights and traffic signals with more energy efficient lighting can significantly cut energy use and maintenance costs while improving light quality and output. The KCC will manage and administer activities in order to achieve project goals.
Program Guidance
STATUTORY LANGUAGE
Replacement of traffic signals and street lighting with energy efficient lighting technologies, including—
- Light emitting diodes; and
- Any other technology of equal or greater energy efficiency
PROGRAM GUIDANCE
- The activity must be for the replacement of traffic signals, streetlights or street signs. A “streetlight” is an outdoor source of light that is raised and that is intended to provide functional illumination to the area below the light.
- The replacement of traffic signals or streetlights must be light emitting diodes (LEDs) or other technology of equal or greater energy efficiency. Traffic signals and street light replacements may include solar panels that power the streetlights so long as the panels are part of a replacement effort that installs LEDs or other technology of equal or greater efficiency for lamps.
- Generally, only the cost of replacement lamp is eligible unless replacement/upgrade of supporting structure (e.g., posts) is necessary to support the replacement of the lamps.
- The activity must occur within the jurisdiction of the eligible entity.
EXAMPLE ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES
- LEDs and any other technology of equal or greater energy efficiency.
- Computerized traffic management systems, installed on streetlights, to minimize vehicle-based traffic congestion during peak driving hours.
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE OPPORTUNITY
- The Better Buildings Outdoor Lighting Accelerator Toolkit provides tools and resources, including a decision tree for upgrading or replacing public outdoor lighting systems, technical support resources, and lessons learned.
- The Municipal Solid-State Street Lighting Consortium (MSSLC) helps local governments make informed decisions on the purchase of LED street lighting and maximize the energy savings. Resources include lighting specifications, financing resources, technical reports, presentations, and FAQs on outdoor street lighting, including resources on lighting selection and design considerations.
ITEMS TO CONSIDER
- The replacement of a lighting fixture, an arm, a pole, or any part of a light is an eligible use of funds if the more efficient lighting technology necessitates such a replacement. However, regular maintenance is an ineligible cost. For example, EECBG Program funds cannot be used to replace a rotten pole due to insufficient maintenance. LED lights should be procured with strong warranty terms and meet certifications (e.g., ENERGY STAR or otherwise) to ensure energy performance, longevity and lighting quality over time.
- When considering which locations to make street light improvements, consider incorporating approaches to ensure equitable access to street light improvements, such as scoring criteria that consider equity, safety, and access.
Additional Information
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Kansas Corporation Commission website
Submittable Information
- You will need to create a free Submittable account or sign in with Google or Facebook credentials to submit to the application.
- If you already have a Submittable account, login with those credentials.
- You can save a draft of your work if you would like to finish filling out the form at a later date.
- If anything changes with the information you submitted, please request to edit the submission.
- Submittable works best on Google Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. Internet Explorer is not supported. Please make sure you are using a supported browser.
- We will follow-up with you about your submission by email. Please be sure to safelist notification emails from Submittable and check the email you used to sign up for your Submittable Account regularly.
Technical Questions?
Check out the Submitter Resource Center or contact Submittable Customer Support.
Summary of the Build Kansas Fund
The Build Kansas Matching Grant Fund (Build Kansas Fund) will provide matching dollars to eligible entities planning infrastructure projects in Kansas. The intent of the Build Kansas Fund is to accelerate local infrastructure investment to support transformative community projects in areas of demonstrated geographic need. Targeted areas for investment include water, transportation, energy, cybersecurity, broadband and other priorities identified in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).
The Build Kansas Fund can provide up to $200M in matching funds over the life of the fund, Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-2027. Applications for local match funding assistance will be accepted on a rolling basis until all funds have been committed or the Build Kansas Fund expires.
Requirements
The Build Kansas Fund must be used for grants with a federal match requirement under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), also known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). A list of Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) programs can be found HERE.
Entities are encouraged to apply for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) discretionary funds to maximize the impact of federal infrastructure dollars Kansas receives.
Eligibility
There are four eligibility requirements for the Build Kansas Fund:
- Eligible for and applying to a viable BIL funding opportunity.
- Have a required non-federal match component.
- The primary project zip code must be located in Kansas.
- Submit your Build Kansas Fund application on or before the federal BIL application due date. Applications submitted after the federal grant application due date will not be accepted.
Review
Build Kansas Fund applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Once reviewed, your entity will be notified if approved for Build Kansas Funds.
After your federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) application has been awarded, applicants are required to upload the notice of award in Submittable. The notice of award begins the process of distributing Build Kansas Funds.
PLEASE NOTE: Your federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) application must be approved by the funding agency in order to receive Build Kansas Funds.
Additional Information and FAQs
Additional information can be found on the Hub's website.
Application Overview
This application has seven (7) parts:
- Application Information (e.g., applying entity name, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) program applying for)
- Eligibility Criteria (e.g., project location)
- Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) - Grant Application Information
- Build Kansas Fund - Match Application Information
- Means Test (e.g., justification of need, demonstrated past performance, public benefit)
- Additional Information (e.g., upload draft BIL application or executive summary)
- Terms and Conditions
Submittable Information
- You will need to create a free Submittable account or sign in with Google or Facebook credentials to submit to these forms.
- You can save a draft of your work if you would like to finish filling out the form at a later date.
- If anything changes with the information you submitted, please request to edit the submission.
- Submittable works best on Google Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. Internet Explorer is not supported. Please make sure you are using a supported browser.
- We will follow-up with you about your submission by email. Please be sure to safelist notification emails from Submittable and check the email you used to sign up for your Submittable Account regularly.
Questions about the application or Build Kansas Fund?
Please reach out to your Regional Points of Contact.
Technical Questions?
Check out the Submitter Resource Center or contact Submittable Customer Support.