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1 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br /> Meeting Date: April 21, 2026 <br /> Action Agenda <br /> Item No. 8-i <br /> SUBJECT: Approval of Interlocal Cooperation Agreement with Durham, Orange and <br /> Granville Counties for the Energy Burden and Emissions Reduction Program <br /> DEPARTMENT: County Manager's Office <br /> ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: <br /> Interlocal Cooperation Agreement Amy Eckberg, Sustainability Programs <br /> Manager, 919-245-2626 <br /> PURPOSE: To approve an Interlocal Cooperation Agreement for the Energy Burden and <br /> Emissions Reduction (EBERP) Program and authorize the County Manager to sign the <br /> agreement on behalf of Orange County. <br /> BACKGROUND: On October 1, 2024, Durham County was awarded $1.5 million from the <br /> U.S. Department of Energy to implement the Energy Burden and Emissions Reduction <br /> Program (EBERP), which will provide free energy efficiency and home safety upgrades to <br /> low-income households and expand access to financing for other households across Durham, <br /> Orange, and Granville counties. <br /> This Interlocal Agreement establishes each county's role in program delivery. Durham County <br /> will serve as the lead agency and oversee grant administration, while Orange County will <br /> support implementation through community outreach, engagement, and coordination with <br /> partners. <br /> Participation allows Orange County to collaborate regionally to reduce energy costs, improve <br /> housing conditions, and lower greenhouse gas emissions, with a focus on priority <br /> neighborhoods identified through data and community input. <br /> FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no direct financial impact. The program is funded through a <br /> federal grant administered by Durham County. Orange County will provide an in-kind cost <br /> share of $73,944 through staff time and program support. <br /> ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN: This item supports: <br /> • GOAL 1: ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND CLIMATE ACTION <br /> OBJECTIVE 1. Identify the priorities and resources necessary to implement the <br /> Climate Action Plan. <br /> • GOAL 2: COMMUNITY HEALTH AND SAFETY <br /> OBJECTIVE 8. Invest in services and programs that improve the health and quality of <br /> life of the community (e.g., recreation and public open spaces, arts, etc.) <br />