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Apply Now for the Neighborhood Energy Challenge – Power2 Live Green Grant

The Neighborhood Energy Challenge (NEC) - Power2 Live Green Grant is being administered by the City of Charlotte, but made possible through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. This is a competitive grant opportunity designed to encourage neighborhoods to implement practical strategies for reducing energy use and costs; which saves money and is good for our environment.

The application deadline is February 15th, 2012. Neighborhoods are required to attend one pre-application workshop to be eligible to participate. Workshops are scheduled for January 10, 17 and 24 from 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm and January 19 from 10:00 am - 11:00 am.  All workshops are held at Old City Hall in the Wilmore Room, 600 E. Trade Street.

Neighborhood based organizations, including neighborhood associations, homeowner associations and business associations located within the city limits of Charlotte and have been organized and active for at least three months are eligible to apply for up to $10,000 for any or a combination of the following projects:

• Alternative Transportation Challenge - Encourage neighbors to walk, bike or use public transit instead of driving.  Publicize your event, track the results and award great prizes for participation.

• Home Energy Audits - Work with a local company to fund energy audits for homes within your community.  Audits identify areas where air is leaking and costing you money.  An audit provides a plan for future energy efficient repairs.

• Energy Efficient Product Distribution - Save money while making your home more comfortable.  Distribute energy efficiency products (weatherization kits, programmable thermostats, etc) within your community.  Teach neighbors how to install these products or partner with a local company for help with installation.

• Energy Efficiency Home Improvement Incentive/Rebate Program - Provide incentives or partial refunds to neighbors who take the initiative to make improvements that reduce energy use in their homes.  Examples may include duct or air sealing, insulation, window or door replacement, moisture barriers, etc.

• Energy Efficient Lighting Program - Purchase energy efficient exterior lighting for your community to brighten the streets and increase security while keeping costs low.

• Energy Star Appliance Upgrade Program - Provide incentives or partial refunds to neighbors who upgrade appliances to Energy Star certified models.

Applications will be evaluated based on anticipated energy savings, level of neighborhood participation, project design and project need.  Winning neighborhoods will be selected by a panel of City Staff.

For more information or to complete an online grant application, visit: http://nbs.charlottenc.gov
or contact Nicole Storey at 704-336-2929, nrstorey@charlottenc.gov.

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Funded by a grant from the US Department of Energy, The Neighborhood Energy Challenge - Power2 Live Green Grant is one of 17 City of Charlotte projects to receive funding through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program, part of the American Resource and Recovery Act. To learn more about Charlotte's energy strategy, visit www.Power2Charlotte.com.

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For more information on Neighborhood & Business Services, visit us on the web at http://nbs.charlottenc.gov.