Update on energy-related stimulus program
A large number of Wisconsin businesses, individuals, entrepreneurs and organizations have contacted the Wisconsin Office of Recovery and Reinvestment (ORR) regarding the clean energy portions of the American Recovery And Reinvestment Act (the stimulus bill) signed by President Obama last week. The ORR website at www.recovery.wi.gov/programs_details.asp?catname=Energy&locid=164 offers an inventory of energy-related programs in the stimulus law. Though much information is still missing from this website, this site will be our primary tool in communicating with you on energy program opportunities in the stimulus law.
However, for most of these programs, federal agencies, such as the U.S. Department of Energy, have not yet posted guidelines, applications or eligibility information. We expect that to happen soon, and will post that information at the above link as soon as we get it.
Below are a few questions and answers that may be helpful:
Q: I’ve sent in an idea/project I’d like to get stimulus funding for. What do I do now?
A: We cannot at this time personally answer and respond to each project/idea. Hundreds have been sent to us. But, as soon as the federal government identifies how you can apply for particular federal stimulus program grants or loans, we will notify you through email. We will provide information to you on how to match what you’d like to do with the appropriate stimulus grant or loan program (in the energy area).
Q: Doesn’t the state just have a big account full of federal money for energy projects?
A: No. There are many energy-related stimulus programs, usually for fairly specific purposes (advanced battery research, transportation electrification, appliance rebates, etc). Most of the energy- related stimulus money is in competitive grant programs. As soon as the Department of Energy provides Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs) (these are instructions on how to apply), we will tell you how to get them.
Q: When will the Department of Energy have more information?
A: They have assured us it will be soon. We will post it on the Office of Recovery and Reinvestment website: http://www.recovery.wi.gov/programs.asp?locid=164
Q: I have sent an “application” into the Office of Recovery and Reinvestment for stimulus funds, what do I do now?
A: Many individuals and businesses have sent us ideas for projects. These are not applications. The Office of Recovery and Reinvestment does not make funding decisions. We will identify the appropriate
federal or state agencies to which you can make an application for your project. The materials and instructions to do this will be available soon from federal agencies (like the U.S. Department of Energy) and we will notify you as soon as that happens.
The following link is a summary of COMSUMER tax credits and incentives that may help your business increase the sales of its products (energy efficiency and renewables)
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=products.pr_tax_credits
Since many new people have contacted our office recently, I am re-attaching the information many of you got last week:
David J. Jenkins
Wisconsin Office of Recovery and Reinvestment
608-264-7651