May 14, 2013

South Carolina Energy Office – Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program Funds Provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) was enacted to promote economic prosperity through job creation and encourage investment in the Nation's energy future.  As part of the Recovery Act, the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program received about $3.2 billion to assist in implementing strategies to reduce fossil fuel emissions, decrease total energy use of local governments, improve energy efficiency and create jobs. 

The South Carolina Energy Office (SCEO) is responsible for operating the State of South Carolina's energy efficiency programs and for administering EECBG Program funding.  The SCEO received about $9.6 million that was allocated as block grants to units of local government and competitive grants that support energy efficiency projects.

The Office of Inspector General contracted with an independent certified public accounting firm to examine SCEO's compliance with Federal and State laws, regulations and program guidelines applicable to the EECBG Program. The examination found that SCEO complied in all material respects with the requirements and guidelines relative to the EECBG Program for the period September 30, 2009 through December 31, 2011.  There were no findings and recommendations as a result of this examination.

TOPIC: Financial Assistance