This is an excerpt from EERE Network News, a weekly electronic newsletter.

September 25, 2013

DOE and Georgetown University to Speed Local Energy Efficiency

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and Georgetown University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreement on September 17 to collaborate on the Georgetown University Energy Prize, a competition to encourage innovative, replicable, and scalable approaches to reducing energy use in communities across the United States. Aimed at increasing the number of municipalities, utilities, and individuals working to save energy in their homes and communities, the MOU supports President Obama's Climate Action Plan by pursuing greater energy efficiency that reduces greenhouse gases and saves consumers money.

Beginning in February 2014, U.S. municipalities ranging in population from 5,000-250,000 residents will be eligible to compete for the prize by reducing their energy use. Participating communities must develop a long-term energy efficiency plan and demonstrate initial effectiveness and sustainability during a two-year period. The winning community will receive $5 million provided by private sponsors, which will help to support their continuing community-based energy efficiency efforts. Interested parties are invited to learn more about Georgetown Energy Prize, review the competition's rules and timeline, and register their communities in advance of the formal launch in February. The Energy Department's Building Technologies Office will advise the Georgetown University Energy Prize in refining competition guidelines, promoting the prize among key stakeholders, and providing technical assistance to participating communities. See the Energy Department's Progress Alert.