Energy Efficiency Solicitation EE-024

The Washington State Department of Commerce is seeking applications for energy efficiency retrofit projects at existing public facilities such as schools, hospitals, community centers, affordable housing, and wastewater treatment plants. Eligible applicants include cities, towns, school districts, state colleges, tribal governments, state agencies, and other local governments. The $14,500,000 in grant funding requires a minimum 15% match from applicants, except for state agencies and those from overburdened or disadvantaged communities who may provide 0% match. Projects must achieve energy and operational cost savings and demonstrate a simple payback of fewer than 35 years. Applications will be accepted from August 26 to September 25, 2024, and awards will be announced by October 7, 2024. The contract period is expected to run from October 2024 through June 2025, with possible extensions.

At least 20% of the funds must be awarded to projects in small cities or towns with under 5,000 residents, and 40% is reserved for K-12 public school districts. Priority consideration will be given to applicants who have not received prior energy efficiency grants and projects located in Tier 1 buildings pursuing the state's Clean Buildings Performance Standard. The RFA outlines detailed requirements for audits, commissioning, procurement, and community engagement plans.