Funding and Training Opportunities

Alaska Energy Authority Announces New Renewable Energy Grant Application Period (Applications Due October 8 or November 10, 2008)

Alaska Energy Authority Announces New Renewable Energy Grant Application Period - AEA Seeks Qualified Applicants for up to $100 Million in Grants Due dates for applications are October 8 or November 10, 2008, depending upon the status of the proposed project.

The Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) has issued its Request for Grant Applications (RFA) from qualified applicants for the purpose of evaluating and recommending renewable energy projects to be funded by the Alaska State Legislature. Earlier this year Governor Sarah Palin signed House Bill 152 into law. The measure establishes a renewable energy grant fund and authorizes AEA to manage the procedures for awarding the grants and distributing grant funds. $50 million is to be appropriated into the fund annually over the next five years. During this summer's special session, the Legislature and Governor Palin approved an additional $50 million for this year, thus providing up to $100 million for the first RFA.

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

To be eligible for a grant recommendation the applicant must demonstrate formal approval and endorsement of its project by its governing authority (such as board of directors or executive management if it does not have a governing board) and be one of the following types of entities:

1. An electric utility holding a certificate of public convenience and necessity under AS 42.05;

2. An independent power producer (for the purposes of this grant an independent power producer is a corporation, person, agency authority, or other legal entity or instrumentality that owns or operates facilities for the generation of energy to be used at least 50% by the public and that is not an electric utility);

3. A local government; or

4. A governmental entity, (which includes tribal councils and housing authorities).

REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS

The RFA, application forms and all contact information can be found on the web at www.akenergyauthority.org/RE_Fund.html. Applicants may also contact Renewable Energy Fund Grant Manager Butch White by e-mail at re_fund@aidea.org, or telephone (907) 771-3048.

See the news release from the AEA (http://akenergyauthority.org/PDF%20files/PressReleases/9-4-2008AEA_Announces_Renewable_Energy_RFA.pdf).

DOE's Tribal Energy Program Review (November 17-20, 2008, Denver, CO)

This annual program review is intended as a forum for tribes to meet and learn from other tribes pursuing energy sufficiency through conservation or renewable energy. The forum consists of presentations by tribes across the nation that are exploring renewable energy and energy efficiency. Come hear about their projects, the progress they've made, their successes and the lessons they've learned as they explore their energy options.

As we recognize the increasing interest of tribes in energy efficiency and renewable energy and the benefit of tribes learning from tribes, we're opening up this meeting to Indian Country as a whole. This is a unique forum where you can get an excellent overview of the wide range of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects under way in Indian Country.

Tribal Energy Program Review
November 17-20, 2008
Renaissance Denver Hotel
3801 Quebec Street
Denver, CO 80207

Note that the review has been extended through Thursday, November 20.

Agenda

Please check back later for an agenda. Registration will begin at noon on Monday, November 17, 2008. The review meeting will start at 1:00 p.m. and continue throughout the day on Thursday, November 20, 2008.

Registration

No registration fee is being charged, but advance registration is required to ensure adequate seating and availability of refreshments and food. Lunch will be provided on the three full days of the review (Tuesday through Thursday, November 18-20).

To register, please complete the registration form at http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/tribalenergy/upcoming_events.cfm and return it to Victoria DeHerrera via e-mail (victoria.deherrera@go.doe.gov) or fax to (303) 275-4788.

Hotel

There is limited availability of rooms. Book rooms by October 16.

Renaissance Denver Hotel
3801 Quebec Street
Denver, CO 80207
(303) 399-7500
www.marriott.com/densa

Discounted rooms are available to meeting participants for $140.00 per night (the prevailing government per diem rate) plus tax. To make reservations at this reduced rate, call the hotel directly at (303) 399-7500. Say you want the group rate for the "Tribal Energy Program Review." The deadline to receive the group rate is October 16, 2008. After that date we are unable to guarantee the rate or room availability.

For information on the Program and the DOE’s "Guide to Tribal Energy Development", see www.eere.energy.gov/tribalenergy