Clean Energy Districts of Iowa win $1.1M federal grant

Posted: October 25, 2023

On October 10, 2023, the City of Decorah was announced as one of twelve selectees of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Competitive program, a funding opportunity from the Office of State and Community Energy Programs (SCEP) at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The Clean Energy Districts of Iowa (CEDI) is the designated sub-recipient of this highly selective award and the technical assistance provider for the activities outlined in its application.

Along with 12 other awardees, CEDI will share $8.8 million in awards to support the implementation of energy improvements in local governments and tribes across the country.

CEDI plans to use this funding to provide vital technical assistance to help local governments and schools benefit from the clean energy transition and to reduce energy burdens in low-income households in Allamakee, Clayton, Delaware, Howard, Jackson, Tama, and Winneshiek counties in Iowa, and Vernon County in Wisconsin, including tribal lands.

“Clean Energy Districts are all about “green meets green” in our rural counties and communities,” says Andrew Johnson, CEDI’s executive director. ”On the one hand is the green of saving money and creating jobs through local investment in renewable energy and energy efficiency. On the other hand is the green of accomplishing climate stewardship in the process. It’s a win-win, and the right thing to do.

“Local governments have some of the greatest opportunities to invest in clean energy, and when they do, all residents benefit. Too often, they don’t know where to start, or who to trust. This federal funding will allow the CEDI network to provide boots-on-the-ground technical assistance and energy planning support to local governments thoughout the project area, from feasibility to implementation to impact.”

To learn more, please visit:

Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program | Department of Energy

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