The Santa Barbara County energy conservation program, emPowerSBC, recently received a $2.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. The program aims to provide low-interest loans to homeowners trying to make their homes more environmentally friendly and finances related projects—think installing solar panels or new insulation. It also encourages people to make their homes less wasteful and removes a barrier for people who want to become more efficient, but can’t afford to. EmPowerSBC also connects people to contractors able to help with
such projects.
Almost 200 counties applied for the Department of Energy’s grant, but only 20 were awarded the money. According to a press release, emPowerSBC was one of the recipients because it “represents an innovative, national demonstration model for how local communities can fund environmentally friendly energy projects and also result in local economic benefits.” The funds that emPowerSBC received will allow the organization to operate for the next two years. This, combined with money from the county, will allow the organization to finance about $36 million in new projects over the next three years.
Intern Sarah Schwab compiled this week’s Community Corner. Send comments or ideas to the Sun via e-mail at intern@santamaria sun.com.
This article appears in Jul 15-22, 2010.