Community

Reduction in Household Energy Burden

Overview

The Reduction in Household Energy Burden program will provide funding to non-profits, for-profit corporations, or local governments to develop programs that reduce energy use for Ohioans eligible for the Energy Assistance Programs.

Eligible Applicants

Non-profits, for-profit corporations, or local governments are eligible to apply. All applicants must be registered with the Ohio Secretary of State as an Ohio entity qualified to do business in the State of Ohio.

Eligible Costs

• Energy and financial counseling
• Assistance with energy vendors
• Client needs assessments
• Energy reduction education (Brochures, tutorial videos, presentations, materials, efficiency kits, etc.)
• Referrals to other coordinated and applicable services (i.e. staff time to provide and track referrals)
• Case management activities (short-term or long-term) targeting a reduction in need for crisis energy assistance
• In-home assessment of energy usage and reduction opportunities
• Other programs or activities focused on reducing a household’s energy burden

Available Funding

$1 million is available for the program. Grant awards may be up to $5,000 for one-time, short-term projects or up to $200,000 for an annual program. Funding is available on a first come-first serve basis.

Eligible organizations must demonstrate how the project or program design will reduce energy consumption of income-qualified customers thereby reducing the need for energy assistance programs (i.e. Home Energy Assistance Program and Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus) for those households.

How to Apply

All organizations interested in applying for funding must first submit a letter of intent to Development. The letter of intent should be no more than two pages and should include a brief overview of the organization and proposed project. The letter of intent should also include the anticipated funding request and certification the organization is in good standing with the State of Ohio. Letters of intent may be submitted via email to Energyhelp@development.ohio.gov. The subject line of the email should be “Reduction in Household Energy Burden Letter of Intent”.

Eligible organizations must indicate whether the request is for a one-time project or an annual program. The application should include the following information:

• Applicant information including the history and mission/vision of the organization
• Program or project goals
• Target groups to be served
• Services to be provided
• Program design
• Delivery of services
• Data tracking and reporting

Eligible organizations should consider community need and local program design when planning programs. Organizations must achieve a minimum score in order to be considered.