The New Energy Economy

What Recovery Act Funding is Doing to Strengthen the New Energy Economy

Because of ARRA funding, the budget of the Governor's Energy Office is growing from $3 million to $80 million budget - without increases in staff. The GEO will fund three areas:

1. $6 million is coming to Colorado for weatherization. There are opportunities to collaborate and/or subcontract with agencies (including nonprofits such as Sun Power Energy, http://www.sunpowerinc.org) on efforts including client outreach and workforce development.
2. $49 million through the State Energy Program (SEP) for conservation, energy efficiency, and to put renewable energy on the grid in Colorado. Application and more information is available at http://www.colorado.gov/energy/index.php?/policy/category/recovery-act/.
3. $42 million is coming to Colorado as a one-time allocation for energy efficiency and conservation block grant program as part of Energy Independence Act of 2007. Some funds are going to the Governor's Energy Office and the rest to counties and cities. There are opportunities for nonprofits to partner with these cities and counties. Funds will be distributed late summer (July through September).
4. TIP:In making the case for energy programs to policy makers: tell a story! Talk to them by connecting your issues to a human interest story.

Additioanl Resources

Governor's Energy Office - Recovery Act page

U.S. Department of Energy - Recovery Act