Energize Delaware announced today that applications for the Empowerment Grant Program (EGP) will now be accepted from both for-profit and non-profit organizations, with an expected award schedule of late Spring 2020. The first level of grants to be accepted will be for the Large-Scale Grant type, for which applicants will be able to apply for funding up to $1 million to aid them in their work assisting low-income energy customers in the Delaware service area of Delmarva Power. The smaller Community-Scale Grants, that will allow for awards of up to $100,000, will begin accepting applications in Spring 2020.
The EGP monies will be awarded to organizations proposing innovative ways to provide improved efficiency, reliability, and energy saving programs that directly benefit Delmarva Power customers whose households earn 60 percent, or below, of the state’s median income.
“I am very enthusiastic and encouraged by the opportunity that the Empowerment Grant will bring to our communities in Delaware,” said Jim Purcell, Empowerment Grant Manager. “The program will put organizations and residents in control of their energy costs by educating and supporting their efforts to create efficiency in their energy needs.”
In each grant cycle Empowerment Grant staff will provide workshops, information and technical assistance to those interested in applying for the grants. The schedule for upcoming grant workshops is February 6, for Kent county; February 11, for New Castle county; and February 13, for Sussex county.
“The Empowerment Grant Program adds another feature to the Energize Delaware services portfolio, said Tony DePrima, Energize Delaware, Executive Director. “These funds will provide much needed assistance to residents who need it the most. It is our hope that this funding will be used to serve as many people as possible.”
Additional program details, including program qualifications, requirements and how to submit proposals can be found on the EGP website: www.empowergrantde.org. A Facebook page – @EmpowerGrantDE; and a Twitter account – @EmpowerGrantDE; are also available for public interaction and information.
The EGP is being financed with $4 million in merger settlement funds approved by the Delaware Public Service Commission’s authorizing of the Delmarva Power and Exelon merger agreement of three years ago. The total monies will be dispersed over the next two to three-year period.
“Through this program, our community partners have access to important funding for the development of energy efficiency tools and resources that benefit our most disadvantaged customers,” said Gary Stockbridge, Delmarva Power region president. “This is a great opportunity to help our customers while promoting the value of energy efficiency statewide. We’re excited to assist in the creation of this program and we look forward to seeing the innovative projects and ideas that come to fruition.”