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Delmarva Power to fund energy efficiency projects for low-income Delawareans

Delaware Public Media

Delmarva Power is funding a new grant program meant to increase energy efficiency in Delaware. 

The terms outlined in the company’s 2015 merger with Exelon earmarked more than $42 million for economic development in the First State, and Delmarva Power’s $4 million investment in The Energize Delaware Empowerment Grant Program is part of that settlement.

The nonprofit group Energize Delaware’s Jim Purcell will manage the competitive grant.

“We’re looking for nonprofits. We’re looking for organizations [in the] private sector who are doing really good things with energy conservation, energy efficiency throughout the state,” said Purcell.

Purcell adds the goal is to fund projects that will bring down energy costs to Delmarva Power customers earning 60 percent, or below, the Delaware State median income.

“We’re looking at weatherization programs, we’re looking at energy audit opportunities, we’re looking at alternative energy opportunities, anything that can bring down the cost of energy for our low-income communities,” he said.

The program includes large scale grants of up to $1 million meant for statewide, county or large municipal projects. Small community grants of up to $100,000 are available for nonprofits, smaller private sector companies and other community organizations. 

Energize Delaware is planning workshops early next year and hopes to be awarding grants in the spring.