Energy Efficiency Investment Fund (EEIF)

How it works

The Energy Efficiency Investment Fund (EEIF) is a rebate program that provides financial assistance to Delaware non-residential entities seeking to replace aging, inefficient equipment with energy-efficient alternatives. The program is intended to improve energy efficiency, reduce energy consumption, maximize energy savings, and improve environmental performance. DNREC says the program is aligned with Delaware’s Climate Action Plan and supports efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

What the money covers

EEIF has four rebate pathways for existing buildings and new construction projects:

• Prescriptive pathway: common energy-efficient improvements such as lighting and lighting controls, HVAC and water heating equipment, and appliances and food service equipment.
• Custom pathway: more complex, non-standard measures, including steam systems, building envelope improvements, and chiller and boiler improvements.
• Energy Assessment pathway: single-purpose and comprehensive energy audits that support technical evaluation and identify cost-effective efficiency improvements.
• Combined Heat and Power (CHP) pathway: incentives for CHP systems, including microturbines, reciprocating engines, gas turbines, steam turbines, and fuel cells.

Amounts and matching

With the exception of energy assessments, EEIF will not pay more than 60% of project costs for any proposed project, up to $250,000 per individual address per calendar year, whichever is less.

For energy assessment rebates, EEIF may award up to the lesser of:

• 50% of the cost of the energy audit, or
• $5,000 for a single-purpose audit, or $10,000 for a comprehensive energy audit.

How to apply

Applicants are told to review the Program Guidelines and Operational Procedures for pathway-specific eligibility and documentation requirements. To start a new application, register in the Energy Efficiency Application Portal as an applicant or contractor/installer, choose the rebate pathway, complete the required questions, and submit all required documents for pre-approval before construction.

Prescriptive and Energy Assessment applicants may choose to skip pre-approval and apply for rebate funds within 30 days of the invoice date.

Timing and deadlines

Applications are accepted year-round on a rolling basis. Rebates are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis for qualified applicants and projects, and all awards are subject to funding availability.

Most projects must be pre-approved before equipment is purchased or work begins. Once pre-approved, funding is reserved from the date on the pre-approval letter. Reservation periods are:

• Prescriptive: 120 days
• Custom: 12 months
• Energy Assessment: 120 days
• CHP: 18 months

If needed, applicants may request a one-time 60-day extension before the reservation expires. After final approval, the rebate check is expected within 10–12 weeks of the final approval email.