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Home | Centsable Energy Program
Centsable Energy PROGRAM PROGRAM DESCRIPTION AND REQUIREMENTS Purpose The Centsable Energy Use program provides funds to help increase the efficiency of energy use in low-income residences. Using less energy enhances the ability of participating families to pay their energy bills. Participating agencies have the opportunity to apply for Trust grant funds by presenting proposals to deliver energy efficiency measures to low income households in a cost-effective and meaningful manner. Who Can Apply The agencies currently participating in the Trust programs can apply for funding. Program Options The application should address one or more of the following categories of need, or other areas that clearly support the purpose of the Centsable Energy Use program. 1. Energy Efficiency Projects - Programs in this category provide measures to help increase the efficient use of energy in the homes, including: · Reducing home air infiltration. In addition to home energy-saving devices, consideration will be given to devices that improve home safety. A committee evaluates each grant proposal to determine whether such items are funded as part of the energy efficiency project. 2. Pre-weatherization Repairs - The main thrust of this program is to provide preliminary repairs required to qualify a home for Department of Energy and/or LIHEAP weatherization. Expenditures are limited to those repairs required to qualify a home for the weatherization program administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA). Repairs are limited to a maximum of $2,000 with the average payment approximately $1,000. 3. Energy Counseling - Within this category, programs should focus on individual or family counseling, followup, and evaluation to assist participating households in modifying behavior to increase home energy efficiency. Eligibility To be eligible for assistance under the Centsable Energy Use program, a household must: 1. Have current income at or below 175% of the federal poverty guidelines. This means that combined gross household income, for the month prior to the month of application, is not in excess of the current year’s household income chart for the Centsable Energy Use program. Monthly income limits for 2007 are: 1 person $ 1,429 For each household member above four persons, add $496. 2. Live in one of the 60 counties eligible for the Trust, and be a U.S. citizen or a legal alien. 3. Provide proof of home ownership if the household is being considered for an energy efficiency project or pre-weatherization repairs. 4. Not reside in public housing, Section 8 housing, or any other type housing in which the federal or state government pays all or a portion of the household energy cost either directly to the household or as a second party payment or in the form of a utility allowance. The only exception to this policy is energy counseling. Persons living in housing that is subsidized by federal or state government are eligible to receive energy counseling funded by the Centsable Energy Use Program. FUNDING LEVELS AND ALLOCATIONS Grants will be awarded up to $25,000. A committee evaluates each request, determines proposals to be accepted, and recommends funding based on the viability of the grant proposals received. The Trust may recommend changes to the original grant proposal, in which case awards are contingent on the agency’s acceptance of those modifications. PAYMENT PROCEDURES AND VENDORS Centsable Energy Use funds will be distributed after a letter of agreement has been signed by each agency that received a grant. These agreements will outline the purpose of the funds and detail accountability. ADMINISTRATION AND ACCOUNTABILITY Each proposal should state provisions that will ensure that accountability, accurate record keeping, and thorough auditing measures are in place. All proposals should be mailed to: Alabama Business Charitable Trust Fund, Inc. REPORTS Reports are due mid-program (no later than November 30) and by the program completion date of March 31. UNUSED FUNDS AT END OF PROGRAM YEAR Any funds that were not spent by the end of the program year, March 31, should be returned to the Trust within 60 days. |
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Charitable Trust
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