TOPEKA - The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) has been awarded a $1.9 million Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant from the Department of Energy (DOE) to help local governments replace traffic signals and/or street lighting with energy efficient lighting technology.

The agency’s grant application stated that “many publicly owned facilities in Kansas communities are aging and inefficient, incurring high costs for energy and maintenance. Replacement of street lights and traffic signals with more energy efficient lighting can significantly cut energy use and maintenance costs while improving light quality and output.” 

The grant is part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The KCC will prioritize awards to cities and counties that did not directly receive federal grants under the program, with a particular focus on rural, underserved and disadvantaged communities.

Applications for funding are expected to be available to eligible entities early next month. More information is available on the KCC website.