Implementation of the Recovery Act is not only creating jobs while advancing science and technology; it is also giving us at EERE an opportunity to improve our own efficiency and effectiveness. To make the most of this opportunity, EERE’s Office of Field Operations (FO) conducted a comprehensive analysis of audit findings related to programs that EERE sponsored or implemented under the Recovery Act. The analysis covers [more than/almost] sixty audits undertaken between February 2009 and May 2011 by the Department’s Office of the Inspector General and the US Government Accountability Office, as well as by outside auditors that reviewed recipients’ use of EERE financial assistance. The audits cover both EERE as a whole and individual EERE programs, spanning projects in every state, the District of Columbia, and several US territories and Native American tribal lands. [More]

In 2009, Recovery Act funding enabled 16 cities to scale up their most promising urban solar energy projects and overcome key barriers. DOE will share the lessons learned and best practices from these projects with local governments throughout the nation. One particular Solar America Cities Special Project is focused on integrating a solar electric power system into the city’s disaster preparedness plans. [More]

Sometimes energy efficiency and renewable energy projects are about creating cutting edge technologies. In other cases the focus is instead on breaking down financial barriers that would otherwise prevent people from making cost-effective use of clean energy technologies. Energy revolving loan funds are one way to jumpstart the use of these technologies.

An energy revolving loan fund can be an attractive option for financial assistance awards. In a revolving loan fund, loans are awarded for an initial round of eligible projects, then energy savings from those projects go toward repayment of the loan. The repayment replenishes the fund, allowing for another round of energy efficiency loans for eligible projects. The energy savings from those loans will follow the same cycle as the first round and so on. In this way, the revolving loan fund can create continual upgrades within a jurisdiction with only one initial investment. [More]