The State Energy Program (SEP) promotes energy efficiency and conservation and is supported by financial and technical assistance through the U.S. Department of Energy.
State Energy Program Fact Sheet
Community Services receives an annual allocation to implement the SEP program. Annual allocations vary but usually fall between $475,000 and $500,000.
Community Services makes SEP funds available to applicants for a variety of energy efficiency related activities. These include energy education, installation of energy efficient measures (building audits, lighting retrofits, HVAC upgrades, etc), transportation initiatives (alternative fuel vehicles and fueling systems) and renewable energy technologies (small scale wind turbines and solar technologies).
To promote energy education, Community Services has partnered with North Dakota State University to provide a variety of publications related to energy conservation topics. The U.S. Department of Energy's Publication and Product Library also has a variety of resources. We have also partnered with the Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC) to enable North Dakota households to calculate their carbon footprint.
Application Process: Applications are accepted at any time. However, in order to guarantee consideration for the upcoming program year (which runs from July 1 through June 30), applications or a letter of intent detailing a description of the proposed project and budget must be received by March 1st. Click here for the application form.
Who may apply: While any organization may apply, priority is given to schools, political subdivisions, state agencies, and non-profit organizations. Awards to applicants range from $5,000 to $50,000. Awardees will need to be registered as a vendor with the state to receive reimbursement. Register as Payee | Office of Management and Budget North Dakota
Guidelines:
- Applicants must be registered at SAM.gov and have a Unique Entity ID (UEI) in order to be eligible.
- Applications must be for future projects. If your project is already underway or under contract, SEP funds cannot be awarded to your project.
- Purchase of services or goods over $10,000 require three bids. If less than three bids are received, an explanation letter must be submitted to the program manager for review prior to grant award.
- Funds are provided on a reimbursement basis after receipt of supporting documentation
- Applications for the installation of energy efficient measures must include a completed Energy Savings Analysis
- Projects need to have a combined payback period of 10 years or less for the total estimated cost of the project.
- Applications must provide a detailed explanation of your project and must describe the benefit or result you are working to achieve.
For more information about the SEP program, contact Kevin Iverson at (701) 328-5385.
State Energy Program Grant Application (SFN59023)
Energy Savings Analysis (SFN59261)
Section 106 Clearance (SFN52654)
Energy Reimbursement Request (SFN59519)