OE FAQs | Department of Energy and Natural Resources

OFFICE OF ENERGY FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Education and Outreach

How do I sign up for a classroom visit?

Click here to sign up for a classroom visit.

Who can sign up for a visit?

Any school, home school group, scout troop or library in Louisiana can sign up.

Do you offer virtual lessons?

We do! We can use any platform, such as Google Meet, Teams and Zoom.

How much do your lessons cost?

Our lessons are completely FREE! We are prohibited from purchasing food products, so you would need to provide that if required in your lesson.

What lessons do you offer?

We offer the following lessons:

All About Oil
Nuclear Energy
Cooking With Solar
Energy House Challenge
Solar Activities
Renewables and Non-Renewables, Oh My!
Sidekick Circuits and Electricity
Saving Energy

For which grade levels are your lessons appropriate for?

We offer lessons for ages K-12.

Do you present at STEM events?

We do! Click here to sign up.

Do you host workshops for educators?

Yes. We host around 6 workshops a year across the state and virtually. These workshops are offered to 6^th-12^th grade science teachers and CTE teachers at no cost. Contact the National Energy Education Development (NEED) Program for information on stipends or substitute reimbursements.

What do I get if I attend a workshop?

Breakfast and lunch are provided. Earn CTE credits, the opportunity to network with other educators, and receive a Science of Energy kit for your classroom worth over $350.

How do I sign up for a workshop?

Click here to sign up for our upcoming in-person or virtual workshops by following this link.

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Codes

What is the Current Energy Efficiency Commercial Building Code in Louisiana?

International Energy Conservation Code 2021 (IECC 2021)

What is the Current Energy Efficiency Residential Building Code in Louisiana?

International Energy Conservation Code 2021 (IECC 2021)

How do I show that my construction plans will meet the current energy efficiency code?

Use of the free software is available at the DOE website. Click here for residential and here for commercial.

Who do I submit my energy code compliance documents to for approval?

All RESCheck & COMCheck energy code compliance submittals are made at the same time and are included with the construction plans for a project to the Louisiana Fire Marshalls Office for approval.

How do I submit my energy code compliance documents for approval?

The use of RESCheck & COMCheck is the method to show compliance with the energy code and are submitted at the same time and are included with the construction plans for a project to the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal.

How can I learn how to use the RESCheck & COMCheck software to show that my construction plans will meet the current energy efficiency code?

DENR offers training courses in the use of RESCheck & COMCheck, as these courses are scheduled they will be listed on this website

Who can I contact if I have questions about the code or energy code compliance?

Call DENR at 225-342-1399

Who is eligible to fill out the code compliance documentation to show that my proposed building meets the code?

Any Design Professional, or anyone who knows how to use the RESCheck & COMCheck software. There are no restrictions on who can use the free software.

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State Energy Program (SEP)

What is SEP?

The State Energy Program (SEP) delivers on the mission of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of State and Community Energy Programs (SCEP) by emphasizing the state’s role as a key decision-maker for tailored program activity opportunities:

SEP provides funding and technical assistance to states, territories, and the District of Columbia (56 total grantees) to enhance energy security, advance state-led energy initiatives, and increase energy affordability.

Established during the 1970’s, SEP distributes formula grants, competitive grants, and technical assistance. Each state determines how it wishes to allocate funds across eligible programs to deliver resources, extend capacity and achieve unique and affordable clean energy goals.

What SEP programs are offered to Louisiana through the Office of Energy?

The Office of Energy provides education and information regarding a variety of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy topics through its ongoing programs:

Codes Compliance (Educational Training)
K-12 Outreach
Clean Cities (Alternative Fuels education and outreach)
Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Program (Low-interest financing for energy efficiency upgrades)

State Energy Program - Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (SEP-IIJA)

What is SEP-IIJA?

Through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), more commonly known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), Congress appropriated $500 million to DOE for an expansion of SEP and $250 million for the Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund Capitalization Grant Program to the states.

What SEP-IIJA programs are offered to Louisiana through the Office of Energy?

The Office of Energy received supplemental funding for the ongoing SEP program:

Eligible activities include market transformation of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies through policies, strategies, and public-private partnerships that facilitate their adoption and implementation. The program facilitates state-based activities, such as:

Financing mechanisms for institutional retrofit programs; loan programs and management; energy savings performance contracting; comprehensive residential programs for homeowners; transportation programs that accelerate the use of alternative fuels; and renewable energy programs that remove barriers and support supply side and distributed renewable energy.

What are the objectives of the programs?

The program’s objectives are to:

Reduce fossil fuel emissions created as a result of activities within the jurisdictions of eligible entities
Reduce the total energy use of the eligible entities; and
Improve energy efficiency in the transportation, building, and other sectors.

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Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program

What is the Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program?

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program is a $550 million grant program funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. It is designed to assist states, local governments, and Tribes in implementing strategies to reduce energy use, reduce fossil fuel emissions, and improve energy efficiency.

What EECGB programs are offered to Louisiana through the Office of Energy?

The Office of Energy assists eligible local governments and hospitals with financing energy-efficient and renewable energy upgrades and retrofits.

What is the objective of the EECGB Program?

The purpose of the EECGB Program is to assist eligible state, local, and tribal governments in implementing strategies to:

Reduce fossil fuel emissions in a manner that is environmentally sustainable and, to the maximum extent practicable, maximizes benefits for local and regional communities;
Reduce the total energy use of the eligible entities;
Improve energy efficiency in the transportation sector, the building sector, and other appropriate sectors
Build a clean and equitable energy economy that prioritizes disadvantaged communities and promotes equity and inclusion in workforce opportunities and deployment activities, consistent with the Justice 40 Initiative

How do I apply for the EECBG?

Click here for information on how to apply for EECBG Funding.

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Louisiana Revolving Loan Fund (LARLF) Program

What is LARLF?

The Louisiana Revolving Loan Fund (LARLF) offers Louisiana-domiciled public entities assistance in implementing eligible projects from inception to completion. The program provides access to low-interest rate loans for eligible entities to implement eligible projects at public facilities.

Who is qualified to receive a LARLF loan?

Public entities that qualify for tax-exempt financing are eligible to receive low-interest financing from the LARLF program.

How do you apply for a LARLF loan?

Applications are generally accepted through a public solicitation which is advertised statewide in the legal sections of local newspapers. On a case-by-case basis, if funds are available, unsolicited proposals are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis in between solicitations.

How do I get an application for a LARLF loan?

Applications and instructions will be provided in the public solicitation.

How can I speak to someone about the LARLF Program?

Please call the helpdesk at 225-342-1399.

What are the guidelines/requirements associated with the LARLF Program?

The guidelines/eligibility requirements will be addressed in the public solicitation.

How much money can be loaned out on a LARLF project?

Funding availability will be announced through the solicitation and determined upon cash on hand at the time of the solicitation.

What are the lending terms of a LARLF loan?

Loans for up to ten years at two percent, fixed interest are available for eligible upgrades.

How long do I have to complete a project under the LARLF Program?

Terms of completion are negotiable and dependent upon the type of proposed projects.

What type of projects will qualify under the LARLF Program?

Eligibility requirements will be provided in the public solicitation. If an entity wishes to propose a special project it will be reviewed for eligibility on a case-by-case basis.

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40101(d) Grid Resilience Formula Grant Award

Are you looking to fund more planning/design or implementation?

Both types of projects will be funded. DENR is looking for shovel-ready projects that can be finished within 24 months but will also look at projects that need design/planning work that could be completed in a 5-year timeline. For the projects needing design/planning support, we are looking for projects with extensive community engagement that need.

From the feedback received, there are projects with urgent need and opportunities to get money out the door quickly, but if they only focus on shovel-ready projects, then we may not be properly supporting communities that are not as equipped and ready to go. We also want to support earlier-stage projects with extensive community engagement that need planning and design work that can position them well to receive funding 2-3 years down the line.

Are projects with power lines eligible and would burying overhead lines be a good fit?

Once the RFI is out, that type of project is something DENR would look at and consider.

Do you have examples of co-op relationships that have been beneficial in the energy space?

Louisiana has been very aggressive in supporting the needs of cooperative utility plans with communities and utilities. Louisiana is very happy to continue to support those efforts and projects that require early-stage planning and design and have large-scale needs.

Will you accept proposals for multi-year projects where the projects will last more than 12 months?

There is no 12-month restriction and we anticipate most projects will take longer than 12 months.

Are engineering and planning administrations eligible for funding as part of the planning/design/implementation of projects? If yes, what percentage?

The details would be finalized in the RFP and questions related to that will be asked in the RFI. Early-stage community-based project partnerships will likely be a lot of early-stage engineering planning work. For other buckets, we won’t be seeking to fund only engineering and planning work. Most competitive projects would likely be ready to go to be built in 24 months. More details on percentages and expectations would be available in the RFP/RFI.

Can you clarify the community match?

For small utility providers (under 4 million megawatt hours sold per year), the community match is 1/3 cost share. For all other entities, the cost match is one-to-one.

Can other grant funds be used as part of cost shares, especially for disadvantaged communities with limited funding/tax bases?

If they are federal funds, they cannot be used as cost share for these projects. But they could be used to bring down the overall costs of the project. State/local/nonprofit/philanthropic funds could be used as cost share for the program.

Who do we reach out to at the State level for assistance?

The 40101(d) Coordinator - 40101d@la.gov

Where can I apply for funding?

Click here for information on how to apply for funding.

Where is the Round 1 information?

Click here for Round 1 information.

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Solar for Y’all

What is Solar for All?

Solar for All is a grant opportunity for states, territories, Tribal governments, municipalities, and eligible nonprofits to expand the number of low-income and disadvantaged communities that have access to residential and community solar. Solar for All is managed by the EPA and authorized by the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund in the Inflation Reduction Act. Louisiana is calling this opportunity “Solar for Y’All” (SFY) for its offerings.

How will the program work?

Our SFY plan aims to reach thousands of low-income households in disadvantaged communities across the state providing access to renewable energy and jobs/training in renewable energy. An average of 20 percent financial savings will be seen on monthly energy bills on the homes that participate. During the one-year planning period, the Office of Energy will curate a comprehensive approach with input from low-income disadvantaged communities. Within this period, the Office of Energy will also work with key stakeholders and partners to determine optimal program design.

What factors will determine eligibility?

The Office of Energy will disburse funding to projects that benefit low-income individuals and families, with a focus on serving disadvantaged and underserved communities. Per EPA’s definition, low-income and disadvantaged communities include Climate and Economic Justice Screen Tool (CEJST)-identified disadvantaged communities, EJScreen-identified disadvantaged communities, geographically dispersed low-income households and properties providing affordable housing. For more information on this, please visit EPA's Inflation Reduction Act Disadvantaged Communities Map. Our office will also be using programs like LIHEAP and the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) to determine eligibility, as they have the same or higher level of income verification.

What projects will be eligible to be funded?

Our program will support residential rooftop solar installations in eligible single-family homes and residential-serving community solar programs, and there are plans to include multi-family housing pilot programs in the revised work plan. EPA’s Solar for All guidance also allows up to 20 percent of the funding to be used on enabling upgrades to prepare residences for solar installations.

What is the timeline for the overall program, including resident, contractor and stakeholder participation?

Once awarded the funds after a negotiation period, a one-year planning period will begin. During this time money could be dispersed for some projects as soon as late 2025, however this is subject to change. Stakeholder engagement will take place during this one-year period.

Where can I learn more about Solar for Y’all?

Read the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s FAQs to keep up to date on developments at the federal level, and for more detailed information.

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Home Energy Rebate Programs

When will the program begin? Where can I find out more about Louisiana’s Home Energy Rebate Programs?

Louisiana’s Home Energy Rebate Programs are in the design phase and will roll out a program website and outreach materials closer to the program start dates. Louisiana is in the process of completing its rebate program applications for the U.S. Department of Energy. Louisiana anticipates some rebates will be available in late 2025 with all rebate programs available by early 2026.

Who is eligible for rebates?

For the Home Efficiency Rebates (HER), rebates are available to individuals carrying out energy efficiency upgrades of single-family homes and multifamily buildings. These rebates are available to households of any income. For households with a total annual income below 80 percent of the area median income (AMI), rebates can cover a higher percentage of the total project costs.

The Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) are available to low- or moderate-income households and individuals or entities that own a multifamily building with low- or moderate-income households comprising at least 50 percent of the residents.

A low- or moderate-income household is one where an individual or family has a total annual income of less than 150 percent of the median income of the area in which the individual or family resides. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development reports AMI statistics across the U.S.

I am eligible for the Weatherization Assistance Program. Can I also apply to the home energy rebate programs?

Yes. Households may benefit from both Weatherization Assistance Program funding as well as Home Energy Rebate Program funding as long as the two funding sources are not combined to pay for the same purchase. For example, the Weatherization Assistance Program and Home Energy Rebate Program funding cannot both be used toward paying for a high-efficiency heat pump. One could be used for a high-efficiency heat pump and another for insulation.

What are the rebate levels?

The Home Efficiency Rebates (HER) are rebates focused on whole-home efficiency. Upgrades must be performed by a program-approved contractor and must meet energy savings targets. The rebate amounts range from $2,000 to $4,000 for individual households and up to $400,000 for multifamily buildings for energy efficiency retrofits. Higher rebates are available for low-income households, which are households with incomes less than 80 percent of the area median income (AMI). The rebate will depend on the amount of energy saved and the income eligibility of the dwelling occupant. Details about low-income rebates will be available closer to the program launch date. HER-eligible upgrades include heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, heat pump dryers, induction ranges, weatherization measures, gas/furnace boilers and gas water heater upgrades.

The Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) are point-of-sale rebates available to low- to medium-income households (households with income less than 150 percent AMI). The upgrades may be installed by a homeowner or program-approved contractor, depending on the upgrade. HEAR-eligible upgrades include heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, heat pump clothes dryers, electric stoves, cooktops, ranges, or ovens, electric load service center (breaker box/electrical panel), electric wiring, and insulation, air sealing, and ventilation.

The IRA rebates were announced more than two years ago. Why is it taking so long? What is Louisiana’s timeline for distributing these funds to Louisiana residents?

The time it takes for funds to get approved by Congress and into the hands of Louisianians can be frustrating. While funds were federally allocated, it took almost a year for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to release the program guidance and state applications for the funds. The Louisiana Office of Energy is committed to getting these funds to Louisiana residents as quickly as possible while acknowledging that a program of this size and scope is complex and requires thoughtful planning to ensure the process is easy to use for all Louisianans.

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Louisiana Hubs for Energy Resilient Operations (HERO)

What is HERO?

The State of Louisiana will launch a strategic energy resilience initiative, Hubs for Energy Resilient Operations (HERO), to establish a foundational approach for accelerating more abundant, affordable, and reliable clean energy for greater power resilience in the face of rising extreme weather and more frequent natural disasters. HERO unites the public, private, and philanthropic sectors by applying a multi-stakeholder coordination framework with a common set of objectives and shared commitments to help solve energy security challenges and protect the residents of Louisiana from climate-related threats. The project will deploy a comprehensive, data-driven integrated community energy planning process as well as a modernized network of Community Resilience Hubs powered by distributed energy resources microgrids.

What is the goal of the HERO Program?

The goal is to reduce the impact of long-duration outages in disadvantaged communities (DACs) by strategically investing in grid-interactive resilience projects.

What is a DAC?

As defined by the US Department of Energy, a DAC would be a group of individuals living in geographic proximity to one another, or a geographically dispersed set of individuals where either type of group experiences common conditions, and falls under one or more of the following conditions:

Low income, high and/or persistent poverty;
High unemployment and underemployment;
Racial and ethnic segregation;
Linguistic isolation;
High housing cost burden and substandard housing;
Distressed neighborhoods;
High transportation cost burden and/or low transportation access;
Disproportionate environmental stressor burden and high cumulative impacts;
Limited water and sanitation access and affordability;
Disproportionate impacts from climate change;
High energy cost burden and low energy access;
Jobs lost through the energy transition; or
Access to healthcare.

How much of Louisiana qualifies as a DAC?

Approximately 58% of Louisiana falls under the DAC guidelines.

How does HERO help the state?

One of the goals of HERO is to enhance statewide emergency response operations with the optimization and integration of the HERO Hubs with utility-owned electric grid infrastructure and backup generation assets.

What types of communities will benefit most from HERO?

HERO will focus investments on benefiting a subset of DACs in the state that are most vulnerable to and least able to respond to and recover from extended outages, based on income levels, flooding risk and building loss risk.

When will communities see benefits from HERO?

The work has already commenced to start projects associated with the first phase of the HERO program.

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