CEDI provides technical assistance through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG). Projects serving cities, counties, school districts, and low-income multifamily housing within eight of our rural energy districts are eligible.
The Clean Energy Districts of Iowa (CEDI) is a nonprofit consortium of Energy Districts in 13 counties across Iowa and 1 county in Wisconsin. CEDI's mission is to support clean energy transition in its member districts by supporting their individual initiatives; advocating for state-level energy policy that facilitates fair and just rate-making and energy infrastructure; and by providing low-cost technical assistance to Districts and individual businesses, municipalities, and organizations in accessing state and federal funding.
The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program is a $550 million grant program funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. It is designed to assist states, local governments, and Tribes in implementing strategies to reduce energy use, to reduce fossil fuel emissions, and to improve energy efficiency. (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program Competitive Awards | Department of Energy)
CEDI applied for and received funding through EECBG’s Competitive Program to provide technical assistance in energy efficiency and renewable energy projects for cities, counties, school districts, and low-income multifamily housing organizations. Eligible projects can include new construction and retrofit projects pursuing clean energy components in their construction via renewables and energy efficiency.
Cities, counties, school districts, and low-income multifamily housing properties that are pursuing Renewable Energy Systems, Energy Efficiency Improvements, or Greenhouse Gas Reduction on their new construction or retrofit project within one of seven eligible Energy District counties in Iowa, or in Vernon County in Wisconsin:
- Allamakee County (Iowa)
- Winneshiek County (Iowa)
- Howard County (Iowa)
- Clayton County (Iowa)
- Delaware County (Iowa)
- Jackson County (Iowa)
- Tama County (Iowa), which includes land owned by the Meskwaki Tribe
- Vernon County (Wisconsin), which includes Ho-Chunk Nation land
This program is first-come, first-serve, as funding allows. We will make every effort to serve all interested customers, so if you’re interested, please fill out our intake form with as much detail as possible, and we’ll be in touch.
CEDI applied for and received funding to provide technical assistance in energy efficiency and renewable energy. Our technical assistance team can support the analysis, strategy and implementation of the renewable energy system, energy efficiency, and overall project components intending to reduce greenhouse gases associated with the site. Additionally, our team aims to connect applicants with financial assistance opportunities such as tax refunds, rebates, etc…., clean energy construction contacts, and educational tools for the topics listed above, as well as supporting clean and equitable energy efforts.
An additional aspect of EECBG Competitive Program is the technical assistance support of Dr. Tamara Marcus, a DOE Fellow. She will be supporting a variety of components related to the implementation and impact of project energy improvements.
Check your eligibility. If you answer "Yes" to each of the following, continue to the Inquiry Form, below.
- Is the project located in one of the counties indicated in “Who qualifies for CEDI technical assistance?
- Are you applying to support a project with eligible activities? Examples: Renewable Energy Systems, Energy Efficiency Improvements, Greenhouse Gas Reduction
- Is your project site a city, county, school district, or low-income multifamily property?
If you’re unsure if your project qualifies, please contact our program manager, Abby Steffens, to discuss your project details further!
Fill out this inquiry form.
An CEDI team member will contact you to gather more information.
Meet Our EECBG Team
Abby Steffens
Grant Program Manager
abby.steffens@cleanenergydistricts.org
Abby Steffens, an Eastern Iowa native, has joined the CEDI team as our EECBG grant program manager. She holds a bachelor's degree in human health science from the University of Dubuque and a master's in sustainability from the University of South Dakota. Abby brings experience in nonprofit management, sustainable community building, and residential energy assessment. She worked as an all-electric incentive program implementer in California, in addition to full-time energy auditing as a past Green Iowa AmeriCorps volunteer. Having relocated back to the Midwest, Abby is the hub for CEDI’s EECBG technical assistance.
Dr. Tamara Marcus
Department of Energy (DOE) Fellow
tamara.marcus@cleanenergydistricts.org
Tamara Marcus, Ph.D., a dedicated advocate for sustainable and equitable communities, is contributing her expertise to the EECBG program as part of the Clean Energy Districts of Iowa EECBG Technical Assistance team. They bring a wealth of experience, including leading the development of Linn County's first-ever Sustainability Plan and the Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County Resilience Hub Plan. Their focus has consistently been on implementing equity-driven strategies and fostering inclusivity in sustainability efforts.
Tamara holds extensive experience in community engagement, sustainable project development, and cross-sector collaboration. In alignment with the goals of the EECBG program, they emphasizes equity and accessibility in clean energy projects, ensuring tangible and measurable outcomes for energy efficiency and conservation. With a commitment to empowering communities, Tamara is excited to bring her passion and expertise to CEDI’s mission of building resilient, energy-efficient communities across Iowa.
This is an Equal Opportunity Program. Discrimination is prohibited by Federal Law.