The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, provides federal funding to local governments in support of efforts to reduce energy use and fossil fuel emissions and improve energy efficiency.  A city is eligible for a direct formula grant from the Department of Energy if it has a population of at least 35,000, or if it is one of the 10 highest populated cities of the state in which it is located. The City of Gaithersburg meets both of these requirements and was awarded a direct formula grant in the amount of $578,000. 

These moneys are earmarked for energy audits and efficiency upgrades to existing City facilities.
In the first stage of the project, the City of Gaithersburg spent $37,258 in funds to conduct energy audits of twelve City facilities.  The remaining funds will be used to develop a long-term energy plan and to implement retrofits where the energy savings and reductions in CO2 and other greenhouse gases will be most significant. 

This project aligns with the following EECBG-eligible activities:

• Development of an energy efficiency and conservation strategy
• Building energy audits and retrofits
• Installation of renewable energy technologies in or on government buildings

The program was developed in compliance with the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Act of 2009 to support the following goals:

• State of Maryland: Reduction target is 25% below the 2006 levels by 2020
• Montgomery County: Reduction target is 20% below 2005 levels by 2020 and 80% below 2005 emissions by 2050
• Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments: Reduction target 20% below 2005 levels by 2020 and 80% below 2005 emissions by 2050
• Gaithersburg: Supports the state and regional reduction targets and has committed to both the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement and the Cities for Climate Protection Campaign sponsored by ICLEI- Local Governments for Sustainability. Under these programs, Gaithersburg is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing energy efficiency, decreasing air pollution, creating jobs, reducing energy expenditures, and saving money for the local government, businesses, and residents.

The Request for Proposal (RFP) was issued May 20, 2009. A consultant was selected and the Notice to Proceed was granted June 19, 2009. The project will be conducted in cumulative phases that will maximize effectiveness and long-term project viability.

• Task 1: Pre EECBG Application Support – June 22nd, 2009
• Task 2: Baseline Utility and Emissions Data for All Major City Facilities – August 5, 2009
• Task 3: Level III ASHRAE Analysis – January 15, 2010
• Task 4: Detailed Energy Audits – February 28, 2010
• Task 5: Post Construction Verification and Reporting – September 1, 2011
• Task 6: Post Construction Education Programs – October 1, 2011

Project status and funding can be tracked at the U.S. Recovery.gov website: http://www.recovery.gov/Transparency/RecipientReportedData/Pages/RecipientProjectSummary.aspx?AwardIDSUR=34560&PopId=13889