State Energy Program
The State Energy Program (SEP) is the
only federally funded, state-based
program administered by the U.S.
Department of Energy that provides
resources directly to the States for
allocation by them for energy efficiency
and renewable energy.
The 30-year-old program, funded at
$3.1 billion under the federal economic
stimulus plan signed into law in
February 2009 (American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act), is cost-shared by
States.
With SEP funds and the resources
leveraged by them, the State and
Territory Energy Offices develop and
manage a variety of programs geared to
increase energy efficiency, reduce
energy use and costs, develop
alternative energy and renewable energy
sources, promote environmentally
conscious economic development, and
reduce reliance on oil produced outside
the U.S., all in the interest of helping
to assure energy reliability and
strengthening America's competitive
position and national energy security.
Additionally, State Energy Offices
are involved in administering public
benefits funds and emergency
preparedness. States manage and invest
more than $3 billion of their own funds
derived from appropriations and system
benefit charges each year.
$1 in Federal SEP Funding Yields
$7.22 in Annual Energy Cost Savings
That's the conclusion of a January
2005 report on SEP's return on
investment. The study, conducted by the
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL),
represents the most in-depth metrics
effort to date on benefits of the State
Energy Program. More specifically, each
$1 of SEP federal funds is associated
with annual savings of 1.03 million
source BTUs and a cost savings of $7.22.
Also, each $1 of SEP federal funds is
typically leveraged by $10.71 of state
and private funds, making the federal
money go much further.
More Information on SEP
State Energy Advisory Board (STEAB) Reports
The State Energy Advisory Board (STEAB)
is a federally-chartered advisory
committee that develops recommendations
for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
and the Congress regarding initiation,
design, implementation, and evaluation
of federal energy efficiency and
renewable energy programs.
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