Glossary
Water loss, utilities and public funding

What is Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG)?

Definition

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant, or EECBG, is a US Department of Energy program that provides grants to states, local governments and tribes for projects that reduce energy use and emissions and improve efficiency. Common uses include building retrofits, energy audits, efficiency programs and planning.

What it is

The EECBG program was authorized by the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. It was first funded at scale in 2009 and was funded again under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of 2021.

Funds go to eligible cities, counties, states and tribes through formula allocations and, in some rounds, competitive awards. Recipients choose projects from a list of eligible activities, such as building upgrades, energy efficiency programs, renewable energy and transportation measures.

Recipients report on their projects, so being able to show measured results matters.

Who it applies to

Eligible US states, local governments and tribes. Allocations, eligible activities and reporting requirements are set by the Department of Energy, so check current program guidance.

Smaller local governments often use the grant for building upgrades in town halls, libraries, schools and public works facilities, where a measured baseline is rarely in place before the project starts.

What evidence it needs

Strong projects show a measured starting point and a measured result.

  • Baseline energy use for the buildings or systems involved
  • Project scope and expected savings
  • Verified energy use after the project
  • Reports required by the grant terms

How Aqueduct helps

Aqueduct supplies a measured baseline before the project and a verified saving after it.

  • aQ EnergySmart weather-normalized baselines per building
  • Day-one baselines from 6 to 12 months of utility bills
  • Measurement and verification at the meter after retrofits
  • aQ Assurance exports for grant reporting
Questions

Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG): common questions

It is a US Department of Energy grant program that funds energy efficiency and conservation projects by states, local governments and tribes.

Eligible states, cities, counties and tribes, through formula allocations and some competitive awards. Check current Department of Energy guidance.

Eligible activities include building retrofits, energy audits, efficiency programs, renewable energy and some transportation measures.

By measuring energy use before and after the project, adjusted for weather, so the reported saving reflects the project rather than the season.

See Aqueduct on your own facility.

Bring a site, a utility bill or a question. We will show you where the loss is.