The Energy Conservation Assistance Program provides grants and expert guidance to organizations implementing energy efficiency updates, installing renewable energy solutions or enhancing the resilience of structures and property to withstand the impacts of climate change.
See information below to learn more about the program, the eligibility requirements, and the financial assistance available to your organization by applying to this program!
The Energy Conservation Assistance Program provides grants and expert guidance to qualifying organizations for energy conservation and resilience projects on the organization’s property. Organizations must commit to 50% of the cost of the project with the county providing a 50% reimbursement of actual costs of making the energy upgrades – up to a maximum of $15,000 per application period based on application requirements. Organizations located in an equity-designated area may only need to contribute 25% of the project costs with the county providing a 75% reimbursement grant. Please see the FAQs section for more information.
Applications may be submitted any time of the year from July 1 to June 30. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and approved based on available funding. Funding for the program will be evaluated each year as part of the Fairfax County budget process. Applications must be submitted and approved prior to implementing or making a purchase of equipment, supplies, or services for the project. Purchases made prior to notification of approval by the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination may void any eligibility for reimbursement.
The program is managed by the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (OEEC) with support from the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District (NVSWCD). Through a memorandum of understanding between Fairfax County and NVSWCD, OEEC administers and funds the program while NVSWCD issues the reimbursement grants.
Projects eligible for the Energy Conservation Assistance program must be approved for reimbursement prior to being completed or purchased. Reimbursement grants will not be given to projects retroactively.
Take a look at the FAQs and "Who Can Apply" to see if your organization is eligible to receive financial support to make energy efficiency and resiliency upgrades! Learn more about the Energy Conservation Assistance Program through our One Pager (PDF).
Organizations qualify for funding if they meet ALL of the following criteria:
An organization may submit an application anytime during the application period (July 1 - June 30) and projects will be accepted if they meet eligibility requirements and funding is available. At this time, private property owners such as homeowners and businesses are not eligible to apply to the program. For questions about eligibility, please contact oeecinfo@fairfaxcounty.gov.
** Please note: Prioritization will be given to new applicants, energy efficiency gains from a project, renewable energy generated from the project, and projects located in areas with higher vulnerabilities. Excluding energy audits, a program lifetime reimbursement grant maximum of $20,000 may be awarded to a single organization, or up to 3 approved applications.
Projects that are eligible for the Energy Conservation Assistance Program matching reimbursement grants include, but not limited to:
* Note: Other projects may be submitted for consideration if the applicant demonstrates improved building or site resiliency, energy efficiency or reduced energy use as a result of the project.
The application and reimbursement process is shown in the diagram below.
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Click the graphic above to enlarge. **Please note that the application process may take longer if applications are incomplete based on review by OEEC staff.
The process begins with an organization submitting an online application. The application is reviewed by OEEC within 5-10 business days based on the completeness of the application. The applicant will receive email notification of approval and the pre-approved amount for the project reimbursement. The applicant should not begin any work until they've received approval from OEEC. Once the application is approved, the organization may purchase the service, equipment or supplies for the project. Upon completion of the project, the organization will submit an online form with receipts to request reimbursement. Reimbursement checks will be issued approximately 45 days once the request is approved.
There is a maximum reimbursement amount of $10,000 per organization per application period (July 1 - June 30). This may increase to $15,000 if one of the applications is an energy audit.
A qualifying organization may submit:
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** Please note: Prioritization will be given to new applicants, energy efficiency gains, renewable energy generated from the project, and projects located in areas with higher vulnerabilities. Excluding energy audits, a program lifetime reimbursement grant maximum of $20,000 may be awarded to a single organization, or up to 3 approved applications.
See the table below for project categories and additional description of eligibility requirements and reimbursement amounts:
| Project Category | Eligibility Requirements for Projects | Reimbursement Amount |
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| 1. Energy Audit: Have a certified, professional energy auditor perform an assessment and report on the eligible property. |
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| 2. Energy Efficiency and Conservation Projects: Upgrade your community’s energy conservation to reduce energy consumption and increase energy conservation. Please see the list of eligible projects. |
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| 3. Clean Energy/Renewable Energy: Electrify your community’s energy use with the installation of clean energy alternatives. |
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| 4. Resilience Projects: Example projects include: Battery storage, Cool roofs, or others as submitted for consideration |
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Mapping Resources
Government Rebates and Incentives (Federal, State, County)
Utility Rebates and Incentives
Energy Efficiency and Resilience Product Information
