1. When do Weatherization and Intergovernmental Program (i.e. Energy Efficiency and Block Grant Program, State Energy Program and/or Weatherization Assistance Program) recipients need to expend grant funds?

    Grantees should review the terms of their award agreement to determine when funds must be expended. If there are questions regarding deadlines within the award agreement, Grantees should consult their DOE Contracting Officer.
     
  2.  What are the guidelines for expenditure for third-party administered loan loss reserve (LLR) programs funded with SEP ARRA and EECBG ARRA funds?

    Loan loss reserve funds operated by a third party are considered expended when the grantee enters into a signed agreement with the third party, draws down the funds from ASAP; and transfers the funds to the third party into a distribution account operated by the third party.

    While SEP ARRA and EECBG ARRA funds must be expended prior to the deadline specified in the Financial Assistance Agreement, third-party administered LLRs provide sufficient leverage of private capital that DOE will not require the specific underlying loans be made by that deadline. Of course, the DOE expects grantees to make every effort to ensure loans are made expeditiously and prudently to maximize their economic impact.
     
  3. What are the guidelines for expenditures on third-party administered interest-rate buy-down (IRB) programs funded with SEP ARRA or EECBG ARRA funds?

    IRB funds operated by a third party are considered expended when they have been obligated by one of the methods (a) - (d) below; drawn down from ASAP; and transferred to the third party into a distribution account operated by the third party.

    a) When the grantee enters into a signed agreement with the third party to support an ongoing loan program with interest rate buy-downs;
    b) The distribution account is operated by a third party and the grantee enters into an agreement with the third party.;
    c) Receipt of a loan application from potential borrowers; or
    d) Where state or local requirements (regulatory, statutory or constitutional) dictate that funds be available in advance;

    While SEP ARRA and EECBG ARRA funds must be expended prior to the deadline specified in the Financial Assistance Agreement, third-party administered IRBs provide sufficient leverage of private capital that DOE will not require the specific underlying loans be made by that deadline. Of course, the DOE expects grantees to make every effort to ensure loans are made expeditiously and prudently to maximize their economic impact.