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8A Page 11 REMINDER: Small Cities looking at Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Funding Must Turn in Form to California Energy Commission by Aug. 21 Cities in California that did not receive Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) funds from the Federal Government through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act wlll need to turn In an "Intent to Apply" form to the California Energy Commission (CEC) no later than Aug. 21 or they may forfeit their EECBG funding allocation. The CEe has over $30 million available through the EECBG program to help small cities and counties install cost-effective energy efficiency projects that reduce energy use and greenhouse gases. In most cases, the mayor, city manager or finance officer for the city should have received a letter from the CEC stating that the city is eligible for funding. If not, a copy of the letter sent out by the CEC, along with a copy of the Intent to Apply form is attached to this notice. If the completed form is not returned by Aug. 21 the city may forfeit their EECBG funding allocation. The next step In the process to receive these funds will be completing the application when it becomes available in September 2009. Cities that are interested in reviewing the EECBG Program Guidelines that are currently being finalized, can find them at htto://www.enerav.ca.aovfrecovervlblockaranlhtml. Cities are encouraged to review the guidelines and begin identifying potential projects that may work in your community. The eEC can also provide technical help to cities that require assistance in identifying energy efficiency projects they may be eligible for. For more information on free technical assistance, please visit the CEC's Energy Partnership Program at htto:/Iwww.enerav.ca.aov/efficiencv/oartnershio/index.html Cities can also email the EECBG program at the CEe ateecba(Q}enerav.state.ca.us with any questions about these funds or this program. EECBG Small City Grant Applicants: Check Your City Flies for Records of OMB Audit Requirements A letter sent earlier this month by the California Energy Commission (CEC) to smaller cities contains one instruction regarding compliance with federal audit requirements that is likely to cause confusion for city officials. The letter was sent to cities that did not receive Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) funds from the federal government through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, advising them to submit a Letter of Intent regarding their Interest in applying for their share of state-administered EECBG funds, or they may forfeit their EECBG funding allocation. The letter informed the cities that they should contact the State Controller's Office to verify their compliance with the financial and compliance audit requirements of the US Office of Management and Budget. In fact, cities are encouraged to first check their own files for copies of a single audit report (Audit determination), Exemption Letter or MNo Review Necessary" correspondence that Is provided each fiscal year by the California State Controller, regarding federal funds the city has received In a prior year. A copy of these documents will be a required part of your final application to the Energy Commission for these EECBG funds. If the city does not have copies of this correspondence from the State Controller's Office, the city should review its records of compliance with OMB audit requirements for federal funds, and submit required audit information to the State Controller as soon as possible. A city that is not in compliance with these requirements may be at risk of losing its opportunity to receive EECBG funds. 5