The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) on February 17, 2009, in Denver, Colorado. Below you will find a few resources about the energy-specific provisions of the Act.

Following the conference call on Thursday, March 19, 2009 regarding collaboration between our members and state energy offices, we will continue to provide updated information on the funding application notices and deadlines for stimulus-related programs. Please continue to visit this page for the latest information.

Funding Announcements, etc.

• The DOE has issued the funding opportunity announcement for smart grid investment funds under the ARRA. Answers to the frequently asked questions submitted during the comment period have been posted as of 26 June 2009. Applications will be evaluated in three phases:  Phase 1 applications are due August 06, 2009; Phase 2 applications are due November 04, 2009 and Phase 3 applications are due March 03, 2010.
• The FOA for the Smart Grid Demonstrations funding has also been released and can be downloaded here. The purpose of the Smart Grid Demonstration projects is to include regionally unique demonstrations to verify smart grid technology viability, quantify smart grid costs and benefits, and validate new smart grid business models, at a scale that can be readily adapted and replicated around the country.
• The US Department of Energy has released the requirements for applying for funds from the Weatherization Assistance Program and the State Energy Program. The funding announcement has also been released for the Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grants. Download the accompanying environmental questionnaire, the activity worksheet, the reporting requirements, and the financial management assessment.
• Click on the following links for the solicitations for the Electric Drive Vehicle Battery and Component Manufacturing Initiative and the Transportation Electrification programs.
• There are several restrictions on activities of registered lobbyists regarding ARRA funds. Read Barack Obama's memorandum to the heads of departments and agencies that specifies these restrictions, as well as the memorandum from EEI's General Counsel's office.
• The list of allocations to the states, separated by state energy office, city and county.
• A state-by-state list of allocations for the Weatherization Assistance Program, State Energy Program, and Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grants

ARRA Text & Summaries

• Text of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and the House Conference Report
• The Senate Appropriations Committee website also has the text of the Act and other relevant documents.
• These sections of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 are relevant to Title IV of the Act.
• A summary of the full Act from the House Appropriations Committee
• The Alliance to Save Energy has prepared a list of provisions relevant to energy efficiency.
• The government's page on the stimulus package can be found here and the DOE's summary page with the status of awarded funds here.
• EEI has prepared a summary of energy-related provisions. A similar summary of provisions was prepared by the Congressional Research Service.

• Presentation by Jeff Genzer, General Counsel for the National Association of State Energy Officials, about the ARRA funding to states and state energy offices

Note: EEI has set up a platform for employees of member companies to discuss the ARRA. For any questions about this platform, how to gain access, or specific provisions of the ARRA, please contact TD Smith.