Bill > S600

This bill requires the Secretary of Energy to establish an energy efficiency retrofit pilot program within one year of enactment, which will award matching grants to nonprofit organizations for retrofitting their buildings with energy-efficiency improvements. An "energy-efficiency improvement" is defined as any installed measure that reduces a nonprofit building's reliance on outside energy sources, including repairs or replacements of roofs, lighting, windows, doors, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, as well as renewable energy systems like solar or geothermal. A "nonprofit building" includes facilities owned and operated by nonprofit organizations such as hospitals, schools, youth centers, and faith-based organizations. Grants will be awarded based on performance criteria, prioritizing applications that demonstrate significant energy savings, cost-effectiveness, a clear plan for measuring savings, the applicant's financial need, and the applicant's matching contribution. Individual grants are capped at 50% of the improvement cost or $200,000, and require a minimum 50% non-federal cost-sharing, which can include in-kind contributions. The bill authorizes $10,000,000 annually for fiscal years 2016 through 2020 to carry out this program. Additionally, this bill amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to adjust appropriations for the Zero Net Energy Commercial Buildings Initiative, specifically by reducing authorized funding for fiscal year 2015 and extending it through 2018.