Nebraska DWEE Opens Energy Efficiency Grant Applications

Nebraska DWEE Announcements

Published March 9th, 2026

Detected March 22nd, 2026

Summary

The Nebraska Department of Water, Energy and Environment (DWEE) has opened the application period for its Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program. This supplemental funding opportunity, awarded through a competitive subaward grant process, aims to support local communities in implementing energy efficiency projects. Applications are open until April 15, 2026.

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What changed

The Nebraska Department of Water, Energy and Environment (DWEE) has announced the opening of the application period for its Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program. This initiative provides supplemental funding, totaling $1.779 million awarded by the U.S. Department of Energy, to Nebraska counties, cities, and villages for high-impact, self-sustaining energy efficiency projects. Eligible projects include building envelope upgrades, HVAC improvements, lighting replacements, and workforce development.

Eligible local government entities that did not receive a federal EECBG allocation can apply through April 15, 2026. DWEE plans to make award decisions by April 30, 2026, with awards expected by May 31, 2026. Compliance officers should ensure their respective local governments are aware of this opportunity and review the program application page for detailed instructions and supporting documents to prepare and submit applications by the deadline.

What to do next

Review EECBG program application requirements and eligibility criteria.
Prepare and submit grant applications by April 15, 2026.
Ensure proposed projects align with energy efficiency, cost reduction, and workforce development goals.

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Department of Water, Energy, and Environment

News Release

For more Information, contact: Carla Felix (402) 471-4223 carla.felix@nebraska.gov Amanda Woita (402) 471-4243 amanda.woita@nebraska.gov Nathanael Urie (402) 471-4245 nathanael.urie@nebraska.gov Lori Arthur (402) 416-0739 lori.arthur@nebraska.gov FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

9 March 2026

DWEE opens application period for Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program

The Nebraska Department of Water, Energy and Environment (DWEE) has announced the application period for counties, cities, and villages to apply for Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants (EECBG).

The application period is open through April 15, 2026. Decisions on awarded projects will be made by April 30, 2026, and be awarded by May 31, 2026.

In 2024, DWEE was awarded $1.779 million in Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants (EECBG) from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to support local communities in implementing high-impact, self-sustaining energy efficiency projects through a competitive subaward grant process.

DWEE funded 14 projects, totaling $1.1 million, in 2024. Those projects are now underway or completed. The Department is opening this supplemental funding opportunity to award additional projects.

Applications are open to Nebraska counties and local communities who were not eligible for a federal EECBG allocation. Eligible projects include upgrades to improve performance of building envelope for government structures, heating, air and ventilation upgrades, replacement of existing lighting to more energy efficient lighting equipment, and energy efficiency workforce development and training.

Projects for these competitive grants should improve the community by providing long-lasting benefits such as increasing energy efficiency, decreasing the community’s energy burden, and promoting workforce development in energy efficiency.

EECBG applications, instructions, and other supporting documents can be found on the program application page. More information about the EECBG program can also be found on the EECBG landing page.