Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant

In August 2009, the City received a $157,900 allocation from the U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program (a formula funded grant based on the city's population), funded through the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009.

EECBG Projects

Based on the strategy prepared as a requirement of the grant program, the City was approved to implement the following projects for completion by August 2012:

  • Establish an Energy and Emissions Management System for City Facilities. For more information about this project, see the attachment below. One product of this project includes an updated greenhouse gas inventory for City operations for 2008. To better track and manage energy use in City facilities, two primary tools are now being used:
    • Portfolio Manager to track and analyze monthly electricity, natural gas, and water use and cost. Portfolio Manager is a free online building benchmarking tool developed by the Energy Star program of the US EPA; and
    • Energy Expert through Portland General Electric which provides real-time electricity data for six City buildings. 
  • Conduct Education and Outreach. Education and outreach programs will be developed around energy and resource conservation, with both an internal City and external community focus. A large component of the City's education and outreach project is Sustainability Action Month, a month of community events each May to share information and inspire change. Sustainability Action Month 2012 focused on energy efficiency, renewable energy, waste prevention, and transportation options. 
  • Retrofit Outdoor Lighting at City Facilities. Several City facilities were identified for outdoor lighting retrofits to increase energy efficiency, better visibility and safety, and to comply with the City's dark sky ordinance for public facilities. Sites include the Adult Community Center, the Library, City Hall lower parking lot, Westlake and Jean Rd. Fire Stations, Roehr Park pathway, and Operations. All of the retrofits were completed by summer 2012, resulting in:
    • 56 lights replaced with high efficiency LED (light emitting diode) fixtures on existing poles;
    • 61% energy reduction with net savings of approximately 1,483 kWh (kilowatt hours) per month; and
    • Approximately $88 a month in energy savings. Future cost savings are also anticipated from reduced maintenance needs due to the long-life of the LED bulbs.
  • Conduct a Community Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory. The inventory was completed in February 2012 to establish a baseline of the community's carbon footprint and identify potential actions to reduce greenhouse emissions from community and City actions. Results of the Inventory.
  • Fund an Energy Management Pilot for the Lake Oswego School District. The City provided financial support to the LOSD to set up Energy Expert accounts for all schools and the administration building, including a one year subscription to this service.
  • Participate in Clackamas County Energy Efficiency on Main Street Program (EEMS). The Clackamas County EEMS program worked with Energy Trust of Oregon (ETO) to make energy efficiency upgrades a viable and attainable option for commercial businesses in Main Street districts. In Lake Oswego, there are two main street districts: Lake Grove and Downtown. The City, in partnership with the Clackamas County EEMS program, is offering rebates up to $1,500 for eligible energy efficiency upgrades. Services also include resource information and free energy walkthroughs conducted by ETO field engineers. Visit Clackamas County EEMS to learn more.
  • Participate in Clean Energy Works of Oregon. Clean Energy Works Oregon offers a whole-home energy efficiency retrofit, including a free home energy assessment, no money down financing options, energy efficiency upgrades, and instant rebates for single-family homes. Using EECBG funds, the City was able to offer an additional $500 incentive to the first 40 eligible Lake Oswego applicants. As of April 2012, the Lake Oswego-specific incentive funds have been used. However, instant rebate funds are still available from Clean Energy Works. Visit Clean Energy Works Oregon to learn more and apply.

EECBG Purpose

The purpose of the EECBG purpose is to assist eligible entities in creating and implementing strategies to:

  • Reduce fossil fuel emissions in a manner that is environmentally sustainable and, to the maximum extent practicable, maximizes benefits for local and regional communities;
  • Reduce the total energy use of the eligible entities;
  • Improve energy efficiency in the building sector, the transportation sector, and other appropriate sectors; and
  • Create or retain jobs.