DOER PON-ENE-2024-021 2024 Green Communities Competitive Grant Program Opportunity Notice

Background
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, through the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs and the Department of Energy Resources (DOER), is issuing the Green Communities Competitive Grant Program Opportunity Notice (PON-ENE-2024-021). This program aims to support designated Green Communities in funding energy efficiency projects that contribute to the state's commitment to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050.

The program anticipates awarding up to $15 million in grants, which will be distributed across two application blocks for eligible communities.

Work Details
Eligible Green Communities can apply for funding through three pathways: Prescriptive Measures, Traditional Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs), and Building Decarbonization. The grant can cover costs associated with constructing and implementing energy efficiency projects.

Specific project types include:
1. **Prescriptive Measures**: Fixed grants for specific installations such as Variable Frequency Drives, Walk-in Refrigeration Controls, Weather-Stripping, Workforce Development training, and Electric Vehicle Charging Stations.
2. **Traditional ECMs**: Projects that improve building energy efficiency, including HVAC upgrades, building envelope improvements, and water heater replacements.
3. **Building Decarbonization Projects**: Comprehensive projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions with a minimum community match requirement.

Each application must include detailed project narratives, cost estimates, and supporting documentation.

Period of Performance
The grant applications for Block 1 are due by May 10, 2024. Block 2 applications will be accepted from October 7 to October 18, 2024. Projects must be completed within specified timelines based on block eligibility.

Place of Performance
The geographic location for performance is limited to designated Green Communities within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.