The Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance Launches Energy Efficiency Competition For Cities

The Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA) today released a Request for Proposals (RFP) asking cities and counties in the Southeast to compete for up to $500,000 to create and implement a community energy alliance. Largely based on efforts underway in Cambridge, Mass.; Cincinnati, Ohio; New York, N.Y.; and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the RFP is open to cities and counties in SEEA's 11-state region of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

"We are creating a five- to seven-year campaign to achieve unprecedented gas, electricity and water savings by retrofitting homes and other buildings and installing efficient and renewable technologies in homes, businesses, schools and industry," said Ben Taube, Executive Director of SEEA. "When implemented, the program will work toward the goal of saving participants in the winning city 20 – 40 percent on energy and water bills."

Due May 15, 2009, proposals will be reviewed by an advisory panel of national experts according to the following criteria: the depth of community involvement and support; comprehensiveness of the plan, including program design, milestones and demonstrated understanding of the community's market and energy characteristics; practicality of project objectives; and innovation in program design, marketing strategy, technology focus and financing options. The winning city will be announced on June 20, 2009.