The Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund (EERLF) helps eligible West Virginia organizations invest in energy-saving building upgrades that reduce operating costs, improve comfort, and strengthen long-term building performance.
Program Status – In Development
Program Overview
The WVOE has been awarded $5.7 million through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund Capitalization Grant Program, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
This funding allows West Virginia to establish a self-sustaining revolving loan fund that supports energy efficiency improvements in commercial buildings. As loans are repaid, funds are reinvested to finance additional projects, expanding long-term impact statewide.
This program prioritizes expanding access to capital for:
- Small businesses
- Nonprofit organizations
- Institutions serving local communities
Eligible Applicants
To be eligible, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Own or operate a commercial (non-residential) building
- Have 500 employees or fewer
- Conduct the majority of business activity in West Virginia
- Be one of the following:
- Small Business
- Nonprofit organization
- Institution
- Eligible public or local government entity.
Eligible Projects
Projects must be supported by a qualifying energy audit and demonstrate life-cycle cost effectiveness.
Eligible measures include, but are not limited to:
- HVAC upgrades or replacements
- Building envelope improvements (insulation, windows, doors)
- Geothermal heating systems
- Energy-efficient lighting and controls
- Energy management and control systems
Note: Solar or photovoltaic systems are only eligible if paired with energy storage or designed to operate during grid outages.
Projects must improve energy efficiency, occupant comfort, or indoor air quality; and reduce energy intensity or better manage peak energy demand.
Energy Audit Requirement
A qualifying energy audit is required before a project can advance to full underwriting.
- Audits must be completed using DOE-approved tools or software
- Financing is available for energy audits
- Applicants may submit a pre-application before completing an audit
Applicants without an existing audit will receive guidance on completing this requirement during the review process.
Pre-Application Process
The EERLF pre-application is the first step in determining eligibility and project readiness.
- Submit a Pre-Application – Complete and submit the EERLF Pre-Application form. Please include basic organizational, project, and budget information.
- Eligibility Review – The WVOE reviews submissions for program eligibility and project fit.
- Preliminary Determination – Applicants are notified whether they may proceed or if additional information is needed.
- Energy Audit (if required) – Applicants complete a qualifying energy audit prior to underwriting.
- Referral to Lending Partner – Eligible applicants complete a full financial application through WVOE’s lending partner.
How to Apply
Electronic Submission:
- Download and complete the pre-application
- Email all materials as a single document to WVOEInfo@wv.gov with the subject line “EERLF Pre-Application”
Paper Submission:
- Mail completed materials to
ATTN: WVOE EERLF Program
West Virginia Office of Energy
1900 Kanawha Blvd. E., Bldg 3 Ste 500
Charleston, WV 25305″
Reporting & Compliance Requirements
Subgrantees must submit:
- Quarterly Performance Reports
- Annual Program Reports
- Final Closeout Report
- Compliance Reports (Davis-Bacon, BABA)
Contact
For questions about eligibility or the application process, contact: WVOEInfo@wv.gov and include “EERLF” in the subject line.