SEP Kick-off Webinar

*Requires Windows 2000 or higher

Before You Begin:

You may want to have a copy of your agreement as reference.

You may want to print the SEP Kick-off Webinar File that will be reviewed during the webinar.

Next Steps:

Once the webinar has been viewed, contact your grants coordinator for follow up materials. You may e-mail secostimulus@cpa.state.tx.us or call (512) 463-7392 or toll-free (800) 531-5441, ext. 37392.

Technical Guidelines

See our Technical Guidelines for ARRA Special Provisions, Reimbursement Procedures and other helpful info.

State Energy Program (SEP)

The State Energy Program (SEP) provides federal grants to states and directs funding to state energy offices from technology programs in the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE). States use the grants to promote energy conservation and efficiency and reduce energy demand by developing and implementing comprehensive State energy conservation plans. Activities include technical assistance, training, education, project implementation support field validation of commercially-available energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies. Funding may not be used for research activities or construction. For additional information refer to the EERE's frequently asked questions about state funding.

Federal Amount Available: $3.1 billion, nationally
State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) Allocated: $218,782,000

Stimulus Funding Overview:

The Texas SEP contains the following project components funded through the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) ARRA to the Comptroller of Public Account's (CPA), State Energy Conservation Office (SECO):

Building Efficiency and Retrofit Program – $75 million
Transportation Efficiency Program – $16.5 million
Distributed Renewable Energy Technology Program – $76.8 million
Energy Sector Training Centers – $5.2 million
Public Education and Outreach – $6 million
- Texas Powerful Smart - Consumer energy efficiency website.
- Building Energy Code - Outreach & training to building professionals and the general public on the latest energy codes and standards.
- Eureka! Award Program - Grant program to help small Texas businesses promote market-ready energy products and technologies.
ENERGY STAR Appliance Rebate Program – $10 million
Texas Cool Schools – $25 million

Program Status:

SECO Comprehensive Application submitted to DOE on 5/12/2009.
DOE approval announced on 7/10/09 - As of July 10, U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced that DOE has approved the State Energy Program for Texas.
Request for Applications and Award Announcements have been posted for a number of program areas.
All SEP funds must be spent by April 2012.

Prohibited Use of Funding:

Construction, such as construction of mass-transit systems or exclusive bus lanes, or for construction or repair of buildings or structures
Purchasing land, buildings, or structures or to pay interest on construction
Subsidizing fares for public transportation
Subsidizing utility rate demonstrations or State tax credits for energy conservation or renewable energy measures
Conducting research or purchasing equipment to conduct research, development, or demonstration of energy efficiency or renewable energy techniques and technologies that are not commercially available.

Legal Authority:

Federal Regulations: 10 CFR Part 420