Agenda

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13.

City Council Regular Meeting

Meeting Date:

02/20/2024

BACKGROUND

Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants offer a flexible funding opportunity through the Department of Energy (DOE). The grant offers local and tribal governments funding to invest in a variety of clean energy and energy efficiency projects. Staff from Neighborhood Services has conducted research, including meeting with technical advisors at the DOE, to assist in identifying the most effective path to use to proceed in the administration of this proposed grant program. This program would be focused on assisting low to moderate income property owners. If authorized, the Neighborhood Services Division would administer the grant program along with the DOE.

Priorities and Considerations:

Schertz potential allocation is $76,400 in funds.
The DOE is recommending the voucher option to administer the program. Vouchers are pre-approved and 100% reimbursable from the Department of Energy.
Applicants requesting assistance from the program must be within the income level guidelines.
Projects must include energy efficient appliances and building improvements.
The deadline to submit an application for approval of the grant funding is April 1, 2024.

GOAL

Facilitate free appliance upgrades and weatherization improvements for low-moderate income households in the City of Schertz by the end of fiscal 2026.

COMMUNITY BENEFIT

Save money and energy, as well as reduce the overall demand for energy in the community. The campaign will address the energy efficiency for home needs in certain neighborhoods. Applicants must be owner-occupied, low-moderate income household to participate in the program.

SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDED ACTION

Consideration and/or action by the City Council of the City of Schertz, Texas, approving a resolution authorizing the City Manager to submit an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant application.

FISCAL IMPACT

The grant provides 100% reimbursement from the Department of Energy. Using the recommended voucher system requires the City of Schertz to submit for reimbursement on all approved projects and has zero fiscal impact.

RECOMMENDATION

Approval of Resolution 24-R-12.

Attachments
Resolution 24-R-12
Guidelines
CC Presentation