The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is promoting sustainable energy and transportation solutions across the state. By offering a variety of financial incentives, grants, and loans, the Montana DEQ aims to enhance energy efficiency, support alternative energy systems, and foster cleaner transportation options. This blog delves into the various programs provided by the Montana DEQ, their significance, and how they contribute to a greener future.

Montana DEQ Program Overview

The Montana DEQ currently offers an array of grants and loan programs designed to support alternative energy systems, alternative fuel transportation, and electric vehicle infrastructure. Additionally, recent federal legislation such as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has introduced new tax credits and rebates, some of which will be administered by the DEQ. These programs aim to bolster infrastructure, enhance energy efficiency, and promote the deployment of clean energy technologies.

Programs and Funding Opportunities from DEQ

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act represent historic investments in the nation’s infrastructure and clean energy sectors. Through these laws, numerous funding opportunities are available, including grants, loans, tax credits, and rebates. The Montana DEQ’s Energy Bureau is tasked with implementing several of these programs, while others are managed federally.

The Energy Bureau will be updating guidance on various programs as they develop. These include grid resiliency projects, Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants, energy efficiency loans, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, low emission school bus grants, workforce development grants, building code development, and energy efficiency and electrification rebates.

Alternative Fuels & Transportation

The Energy Bureau’s clean transportation program focuses on several key areas:

– Leveraging public and private investments in Montana’s electric vehicle market.

– Coordinating electric vehicle infrastructure deployment across the Intermountain West.

– Reducing diesel emissions in the transportation sector.

– Advancing clean transportation innovation and fueling alternatives.

Alternative Energy Revolving Loan Program (AERLP)

The AERLP offers low-interest loans to increase investments in alternative energy systems and energy conservation measures in Montana. The program is managed by the Montana Energy Office, a bureau of the DEQ. Since its inception, AERLP has financed over $17 million in alternative energy systems and energy-saving measures for Montana homes and businesses.

For 2024, the AERLP interest rate is fixed at 3.5 percent (4.023% APR). Due to high demand, a ranking procedure is in place to prioritize new applications for funding. The next application review round is scheduled for August 5, 2024, with submission deadlines in mid-July.

Renewable Energy Initiatives

Wind Energy: Under House Bill 216, owners of wind generation facilities of 25 megawatts and greater must submit decommissioning plans and bonds to the DEQ. This ensures that wind facilities are responsibly decommissioned at the end of their operational life.

Solar Energy: Senate Bill 93 mandates that owners of solar facilities of 2 megawatts and greater also submit decommissioning plans and bonds. The DEQ oversees the standards, procedures, and enforcement related to these requirements, ensuring compliance and environmental responsibility.

Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG)

The EECBG program, bolstered by a $550 million investment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, provides grants to communities, cities, states, U.S. territories, and Tribes. These grants support strategies to reduce energy use, decrease fossil fuel emissions, and improve energy efficiency. The Montana DEQ allocates sub-grants to eligible projects and programs across the state.

Grid Resiliency and Reliability Grants

These grants, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, are aimed at improving the reliability and resiliency of electrical grids. The funds help states and Tribes to address resilience needs due to extreme weather, wildfires, natural disasters, or human-caused outages. The grants also support economic development and infrastructure improvements, particularly in underserved communities.

Montana DEQ Rebates Through Incentive Rebate360

Montana DEQ’s financial incentive programs are pivotal in driving the state towards a more sustainable and energy-efficient future. By offering various grants, loans, and incentives, the DEQ is enabling homeowners, businesses, and communities to adopt cleaner energy solutions and advance their energy infrastructure.

For more detailed information on these programs and how to apply, contact Incentive Rebate360 and gain valuable insight on incentives in Montana from our rebate experts. To contact us, call 480-653-8180, email [email protected], or schedule a call that fits your needs by clicking the button below!