Kansas Infrastructure Hub

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

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