Bill Summary for S 509 (2021-2022)

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Summary date: 

Apr 5 2021

Bill Information:

View NCGA Bill Details2021
Senate Bill 509 (Public) Filed Monday, April 5, 2021
AN ACT TO DIRECT THE STATE ENERGY OFFICE TO CARRY OUT A GRANT PROGRAM TO IMPROVE THE ENERGY RESILIENCE, ENERGY DEMOCRACY, AND ENERGY SECURITY OF COMMUNITIES, AND TO PROVIDE FUNDS FOR THE PROGRAM.
Intro. by Salvador, Murdock, Woodard.

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Bill summary

Titles the act as the "Energy Resilient Communities Act." Enacts new Part 32A, North Carolina Energy Resilient Communities, in Article 7 of GS Chapter 143B, providing as follows. Establishes the Energy Resilient Communities Fund (Fund) in the Department of Environmental Quality's State Energy Office (Office), to provide local governments with grants to help them achieve their sustainability goals through planning and implementation of clean energy projects that equitably advance energy efficiency, renewable energy, and related priorities. Allows for technical assistance grants of not more than $50,000 per local government; outreach, engagement, and planning grants of no more than $25,000 per local government; and grants for projects to develop and construct a clean energy microgrid that supports critical community infrastructure of no more than $150,000 per local government. Sets out a prioritization process that the Office must use in awarding grants. Requires local governments to match grant funds on the basis of one non-State dollar for every three dollars provided from grant funds. Allows the Office to retain a specified amount for administrative costs. Requires the Office to report annually to the specified NCGA commission and division on the commitment, disbursement, and use of funds allocated from the Fund. 

Appropriates $1 million for 2021-22 and $3 million for 2022-23 from the General Fund to the Office for the Fund. Effective July 1, 2021.