City of Iowa City IA : offers energy efficiency grant opportunities for local nonprofits in 2017

The City is now offering a pilot energy efficiency grant opportunity for non-profit organizations located in Iowa City. The goal is to provide funding to make energy efficiency improvements, as well as technical guidance to assist organizations in making sustainability an ongoing part of operational decisions.

The City anticipates awarding up to $30,000 in this pilot round and plans to fund between two and five projects.

Eligibility

• A free energy assessment and/or rebate request is required; your energy provider may have a list of preferred contractors based on the proposed work.
• Applicants must be a non-profit organization operating facilities in Iowa City.
• Facilities not owner-occupied may be ineligible for some of the project options listed below.
• Energy efficiency projects that are eligible for rebates with MidAmerican Energy will be given priority.

Contact the City's Neighborhood Services Division at 319-356-5247 with questions about eligibility.

1. Energy Efficiency-Equipment

• Appliances: Water heater, refrigerator, stove; if essential to service provided, dishwasher or washer/dryer; other equipment essential to operations may be eligible
• Indoor and outdoor LED lights (bulbs and/or fixtures)
• Programmable thermostat and other automatic controls, including room occupancy sensors and vending machine misers
• Heating and/or cooling systems; window AC units (if that is the only option)
• Solar (only if energy efficiencies have been completed)

1. Energy Efficiency-Structure or Other

• Insulation
• Duct sealing
• Windows/Doors/Storm doors
• Drapes/shades

1. Water Efficiency

• Check for and repair leaks
• Install low-flow toilets, faucets, and shower heads

Timeline and Steps

1. Those interested should attend the introductory meeting at 10 a.m Thursday, Jan. 12, 2017, Emma Harvat Hall, City Hall, 410 East Washington Street.
2. Request a free energy assessment for your facilities located in Iowa City through MidAmerican Energy by calling 800-292-6448.
3. Email your intent to apply, noting the date of your scheduled assessment, by 4 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 19, 2017, to [e-mail].
4. Obtain rebate information based on your free energy assessment by calling MidAmerican Energy at 800-894-9599. Agencies pursuing energy efficiency projects can apply for a grant equal to the overall project cost minus the expected rebate. Example: Applicant obtains an energy assessment and determines their project will cost $18,000 and is eligible for rebates totaling $5,000. The City pays the difference of $13,000.
5. Submit energy assessment, rebate information, and grant application to [e-mail] by 4 p.m., Friday, March 10, 2017. The grant application can be found at http://bit.ly/2hR2sKT
6. March 21, 2017: The City reviews proposals and selects projects; agencies are informed of funding awards.
7. April 15, 2017: Start date for contracts.
8. April 15 to June 15, 2017: Awardees complete projects.
9. By June 15, 2017: Awardees submit for reimbursements by showing proof of project completion (including paid invoices), and in the case of projects involving energy efficiency rebates, awardees show rebate amount received.
10. December 1, 2017: Awardees submit brief post-grant report (details below).

Requirements

Projects must include (a) a known measurable energy efficiency and utility bill savings of the project impact or a plan for measuring the outcome, and (b) a small education/engagement component, such as posting images on your website, including a story in annual reporting, or hosting a media event to showcase your results.
Within six months of project completion, awardees must submit a post-grant report that includes (1) evidence of the education/engagement component (examples above), (2) a short statement (200 words or less) about the measurable energy efficiency and project benefits received, and (3) a jpeg image showing project or project results.
Any marketing, promotional or educational materials should acknowledge City of Iowa City support by including the City logo, which will be provided.

For further information, please contact Kristopher Ackerson, Community Development Planner, City of Iowa City at [e-mail] or phone [phone]