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Decatur adopts Community Energy Fund policy to launch homeowner rebate program and municipal projects
Summary
Commission adopted a Community Energy Fund utilization policy to direct about 10% of annual energy‑related franchise fees (approximately $150,000/year) to local clean‑energy rebates, municipal projects (capped at 20% annually), and program administration, intended to complement GIFA state rebates.
The Decatur City Commission on April 21 adopted a Community Energy Fund (CEF) utilization policy to guide spending of funds set aside under the city’s Clean Energy Plan.
Staff explained the fund is seeded by 10% of annual energy‑related franchise‑fee revenue (estimated at roughly $150,000 per year) plus any state or federal grants directed to the fund. The policy establishes four approved categories of expenditures and prioritizes a Decatur Community Energy Rebate Program for owner‑occupied one‑to‑four unit properties installing ENERGY STAR–certified (STAR) appliances and energy‑efficiency measures.
Staff said the policy was intentionally held until Georgia’s program administrator, the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GIFA), finalized its rules for federally funded home energy rebates. The city’s proposed rebate program is designed to complement GIFA funds and local programs to make upgrades feasible for households.
The policy also allows municipal energy projects (recommendations capped at 20% of the annual allocation) and limited administrative costs (not to exceed 10% of the annual allocation). Staff cited Denver and Athens–Clarke County as models for the fund structure and noted that Decatur’s approach would be among the first of its kind in Georgia if implemented.
Commissioners asked about funding durability and whether GIFA funds remain available; staff said GIFA has launched its program and the city is moving forward with program design and a public outreach campaign.
