Energy efficiency retrofit pilot program

(a)

Definitions

In this section: (1)

Applicant

The term applicant means a nonprofit organization that applies for a grant under this section. (2)

Energy-efficiency improvement

(A)

In general

The term energy-efficiency improvement means an installed measure (including a product, equipment, system, service, or practice) that results in a reduction in use by a nonprofit organization for energy or fuel supplied from outside the nonprofit building. (B)

Inclusions

The term energy-efficiency improvement includes an installed measure described in subparagraph (A) involving— (i)repairing, replacing, or installing— (I)a roof or lighting system, or component of a roof or lighting system; (II)a window; (III)a door, including a security door; or (IV)a heating, ventilation, or air conditioning system or component of the system (including insulation and wiring and plumbing improvements needed to serve a more efficient system); (ii)a renewable energy generation or heating system, including a solar, photovoltaic, wind, geothermal, or biomass (including wood pellet) system or component of the system; and (iii)any other measure taken to modernize, renovate, or repair a nonprofit building to make the nonprofit building more energy efficient. (3)

Nonprofit building

(A)

In general

The term nonprofit building means a building operated and owned by a nonprofit organization. (B)

Inclusions

The term nonprofit building includes a building described in subparagraph (A) that is— (i)a hospital; (ii)a youth center; (iii)a school; (iv)a social-welfare program facility; (v)a faith-based organization; and (vi)any other nonresidential and noncommercial structure. (4)

Secretary

The term Secretary means the Secretary of Energy. (b)

Establishment

Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a pilot program to award grants for the purpose of retrofitting nonprofit buildings with energy-efficiency improvements. (c)

Grants

(1)

In general

The Secretary may award grants under the program established under subsection (b). (2)

Application

The Secretary may award a grant under this section if an applicant submits to the Secretary an application at such time, in such form, and containing such information as the Secretary may prescribe. (3)

Criteria for grant

In determining whether to award a grant under this section, the Secretary shall apply performance-based criteria, which shall give priority to applications based on— (A)the energy savings achieved; (B)the cost-effectiveness of the energy-efficiency improvement; (C)an effective plan for evaluation, measurement, and verification of energy savings; (D)the financial need of the applicant; and (E)the percentage of the matching contribution by the applicant. (4)

Limitation on individual grant amount

Each grant awarded under this section shall not exceed— (A)an amount equal to 50 percent of the energy-efficiency improvement; and (B)$200,000. (5)

Cost sharing

(A)

In general

A grant awarded under this section shall be subject to a minimum non-Federal cost-sharing requirement of 50 percent. (B)

In-kind contributions

The non-Federal share may be provided in the form of in-kind contributions of materials or services. (d)

Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2016 through 2020, to remain available until expended. (e)

Offset

Section 422(f) of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (42 U.S.C. 17082(f)) is amended— (1)in paragraph (3), by striking and at the end; (2)in paragraph (4), by striking through 2018. and inserting and 2014;; and (3)by adding at the end the following:

(5)$150,000,000 for fiscal year 2015; and (6)$200,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2016 through 2018.