Duval Times

The City of Jacksonville has been awarded an $845,350 energy efficiency grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. The grant will be used to implement various services aimed at improving energy efficiency in low-income households, starting with the Eastside neighborhood and eventually expanding city-wide.

Services to be provided through the grant include blower door tests, installation of a data monitoring system, and the replacement of HVAC units, doors, insulation, and energy-efficient lightbulbs. The program will focus on enhancing energy efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, and cutting overall energy use in targeted neighborhoods.

Mayor Donna Deegan expressed her enthusiasm for the grant, stating, "It is a top priority of my administration to bring our tax dollars home through more federal grants. This energy efficiency award is yet another exciting step towards that goal."

JEA Managing Director and CEO Jay Stowe highlighted the partnership between JEA and the City of Jacksonville, emphasizing the impact the grant will have on improving housing conditions and creating healthier living environments for residents.

City of Jacksonville Housing and Community Development Chief Travis Jeffrey discussed the additional benefits of the program, stating, "One of the many benefits of this effort is that we can pair energy efficiency repairs with additional home rehabilitation programs."

Affordable Housing Director Joshua Hicks emphasized the importance of keeping people in their existing homes to address Jacksonville's affordable housing crisis, stating, "Doing so will preserve generational wealth and keep homes in the hands of community members, instead of out-of-town investors."

The City will now finalize the program criteria, which will need to be approved by the Jacksonville City Council before announcing how households can participate in the program. JEA will be responsible for managing the energy audits and weatherization repairs for selected households.