DES MOINES – The Iowa Office of Energy Independence (OEI) is accepting proposals under the State Energy Program (SEP) American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). Interested entities may now go online at www.iowagrants.gov to apply for these grant funding opportunities. The maximum per project award for both opportunities is $1,000,000 and the amount of funding available is contingent upon the availability of funds as projects are negotiated in other ARRA-SEP program areas.

Eligible applicants for the Technology Demonstration RFP are public, non-profit and private sector entities interested in implementing energy efficiency retrofits using demonstration technologies, installing cost effective onsite renewable energy applications, or providing outreach through energy related training, information, or education. 

Eligible applicants for the BE$T RFP are limited to: school districts, cities, counties, other local government agencies and non-profit entities with the ability to issue tax exempt debt, interested in implementing energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy in or on applicable buildings.

The OEI will host an informational webinar session on July 26, 2010 from 2:00–4:00 PM to provide guidance concerning the state’s grant application website for both RPFs. The webinar will provide training on using the Iowa Grants Enterprise Management System (IGEMS) and those interested may register HERE. During the session the Office will explain the online registration process, components of the web application and how to successfully complete an application.

The deadline for application submittal is August 13, 2010. For more information and to review the RFP application, please visit our website: www.energy.iowa.gov.