MEEA, which is based in Chicago and covers a 13-state region and is a part of the DOE’s Recovery Act Technical Assistance provider network, will provide assistance to the recipients of Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants (EECBG), and State Energy Program (SEP) and Retrofit Ramp-Up Initiative grants in the Midwest, with their implementation of energy efficiency programs.
In addition, MEEA will also be responsible for the development of recommended programs and practices in the area of energy efficient lighting.
MEEA plans to render its assistance throughout the region through policy advocacy, program design and facilitation and piloting of energy technologies. It will also encourage organizations that have received ARRA funding to visit the Technical Assistance Center (TAC) Solution Center, an online portal that includes resources and other tools and information and technical assistance.
The other non-profit organizations partnering with MEEA in the technical assistance network are Vermont Energy Investment Corporation, American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA), Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SEEP), Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships (NEEP), and Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA).
Wendy Jaehn, executive director of MEEA, said: “We look forward to the opportunity to work with the communities, large and small, throughout the Midwest that are implementing energy efficient programs thanks to new federal funding.
“Our goal is to help grantees make an impact right away and also develop programs that would be sustainable after ARRA funding ends, if possible.”
