Facility Problem Solvers
AB 841 - SEES – School Energy Efficiency Stimulus
Here is an update along with some highlights of the information we know so far on the potential funding available and the types of projects that can be funded for schools from AB 841.
Anticipated Timelines
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Develop Final Program guidelines by the end of May 2021
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Accept Applications beginning in June 2021
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Approve applications starting in July 2021
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First funding awarded in January 2022
Priority Eligibility Requirement – Underserved Community
Schools located in disadvantaged communities including those with 75% of their students eligible for Free/Reduced Lunch will be the projects that receive funding first.
Ventilation Program
Provides funding to assess, maintain, and repair heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in public schools, prioritizing schools in underserved communities.
• Initial phase of program awards limited to HVAC Assessment and Maintenance Grants.
• Grant award will be amount requested by LEA and verified with a contractor’s estimate.
• Contractor’s estimate must only be for reasonable costs of project requirements.
• LEA may request advance payment of up to 50% of the grant award.
• The program requires installation of MERV 13 filters where feasible.
• The program requires installation of Carbon Dioxide monitors.
All work must be completed by Qualified Testing Personnel which means either of the following:
(1) An HVAC acceptance test technician certified to complete the forms set forth in subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) of Section 10-103.2 of Part 1 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations by an Acceptance Test Technician Certification Provider (ATTCP) that is approved by the CEC to provide that certification.
(2) A certified TAB technician.
Plumbing Program
The School Noncompliant Plumbing Fixture and Appliance Program (SNPFA) will provide grants to schools to replace noncompliant plumbing fixtures and appliances that fail to meet water efficiency standards, again prioritizing funding for underserved communities.
Ventilation Program Applications
• Grant amount requested in application may only be for reasonable costs of HVAC Assessment and Maintenance Grant scope of work, including:
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HVAC Assessment Report
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General HVAC maintenance
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Adjustment of ventilation rates
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Filter replacement
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Carbon dioxide monitor installation
• To demonstrate that costs are reasonable, the contractor estimate must provide line item cost estimates for materials, labor, and other costs.
Initial phase of the program does not allow for replacement of HVAC units. The program for replacement of units has not been developed and is contingent upon funds being available after the assessment and maintenance phase.
The program is still being finalized and some of the details may change. The following is a link to the program page:
School Energy Efficiency Stimulus (SEES) Program – Assembly Bill 841 | California Energy Commission
The following link is a tool on the CEC (California Energy Commission) website that identifies the schools likely to be eligible for priority funding.
This program does not cover any consulting fees to assist with the application process. The program should be simple enough and available through an on-line application once the program is finalized.
SchoolWorks will assist our clients with the process and provide guidance as needed.
There is hope that the program will be expanded to allow for replacement needs and non-priority schools as additional money becomes available from the Federal Stimulus efforts.
Funding Anticipated for Program
2021 = $276,931,128
Total over 3 years is estimated at a minimum of $500 million
75% of funds will be used for the ventilation program and 25% for the plumbing program
Only schools serviced by PG&E, SCE, SCG or SDG&E can participate in the program
Funds are only available by each service territory. Projected funds by territory over three years is shown in the following table along with the number of schools estimated to be eligible and the average amount available per school assuming all priority schools request funding.
