MEMORANDUM

TO:                  Mayor Edward “Bud” Caulfield

                                    And

                        Members of the Lowell City Council

FROM:            Bernard F. Lynch, City Manager

DATE:             February  15, 2008

SUBJECT:       MOTION OF 1/29/08 BY COUNCILOR JAMES MILINAZZO

                        REQUEST THE MANAGER REPORT ON THE STATUS OF HR#6,

                        ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND CONSERVATION BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM

Operating under the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) , the Energy and Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program (EEBG) will provide $2 billion annually over five fiscal years (2008-2012), in formula grants to cities, counties, and states to assist with the implementation of energy efficiency strategies. 

The report goes on to describe the ways in which the City of Lowell, would likely receive block grants in the 2009-2010 fiscal year, if the program is  funded.  The program goals are grouped generally into three categories; planning and policy development, funding capital improvements and education/communication.

The City of Lowell is proactively seeking ways to improve energy efficiency aside from the EECBG program on a number of fronts;  including the Energy Star Program, Energy Audits through National Grid, as well as the exploration the opportunity to enter into a performance contract with an organization that will fund a massive capital improvement program guaranteeing an amount of reduction in energy use. 

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you.