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Rhinebeck gets extra time on federal energy grant; energy study due this year
Summary
Village staff told trustees that the Department of Energy extended the EECBG grant deadline from the previously expected September 2026 to July 2027; the energy study must still be completed by year-end and will inform possible HVAC upgrades.
Village staff reported an extension on a federal energy-grant deadline and outlined next steps for an energy study that could lead to HVAC upgrades at village facilities.
Vanessa, speaking at the Oct. 28 Rhinebeck Village Board meeting, said the U.S. Department of Energy told the village that the expected September 2026 deadline for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) is actually July 2027. "What we thought was the September 2026 deadline, they said it's actually July 2027," Vanessa said, adding that the change "gives us more time, which is always great, when it comes to complicated projects."
Vanessa told trustees the village still must finish the required energy study by the end of this calendar year; consultants have already completed measurements and a blower-door test. The results of the study will guide whether the village pursues upgraded HVAC equipment for the building covered by the grant. Vanessa said increasing the grant timeline could allow the village to seek additional funding sources to cover installation costs, which she acknowledged are expensive.
The trustees did not take a formal vote on the grant at the meeting; the item was presented as an informational update and to ask staff and trustees to consider next steps and potential additional grant funding to cover anticipated costs.
Ending
Village staff will complete the energy study by year-end and return to trustees with cost estimates and a proposed path forward for any HVAC upgrades or additional grant seeking.
