The county was one of 64 communities in Georgia have earned grant funds for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program, which is administered by GEFA.

Rockdale was awarded for "energy saving performance contracting on government buildings, incentives to promote use of residential energy efficient products and services, which includes training and education."

EECBG funds totaling $13.3 million were available to small-to-medium sized cities and counties through GEFA as a result of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The state's largest cities and counties received direct EECBG funding from the U.S. Department of Energy.

"Investment in energy efficient infrastructure creates jobs, promotes economic development and increases our citizens' quality of life," said Governor Sonny Perdue. "Financing renewable energy projects encourages good stewardship of our environment."
"Many local governments throughout Georgia are investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy projects that will directly benefit their communities," said GEFA Executive Director Phil Foil. "I'm pleased that the EECBG program is helping local governments save energy."

EECBG funds for local governments were awarded following a competitive application process. Out of 84 applications, GEFA funded 57 projects benefiting 64 communities. General activities receiving EECBG funding include:

• Energy efficiency programs and incentives for residential and commercial sectors:
• Energy efficiency retrofits for local government facilities;
• Energy code compliance and training; and
• Renewable energy installations.

The EECGB funds will help local governments meet the Governor's Energy Challenge. In April 2008 Governor Sonny Perdue committed Georgia's state agencies to reduce energy consumption 15 percent and challenged Georgia businesses, local governments and citizens to do the same. Georgia's population is projected to grow to more than 12 million people by 2030. This growth will significantly impact Georgia's energy, land and water resources. More information about the Governor's Energy Challenge is available at www.GovernorsEnergyChallenge.org.

Since the passage of the ARRA in February 2009, GEFA has awarded $185 million in stimulus funds for the following energy efficiency and renewable energy programs:

• $99 million for the Weatherization Assistance Program to weatherize approximately 13,000 low-income homes statewide;
• $63.1 million for 135 energy efficiency projects in state facilities;
• $10 million for 16 renewable energy and energy efficiency (commercial, industrial and residential) projects;
• $4.5 million for 14 solar energy projects through the Clean Energy Property Rebate Program; and
• $8.6 million for the Energy Star Appliance Rebate Program (www.georgiarebate.com).