HB2498 Summary

• Establishes the Arizona Clean Energy Technology Improvement Grant Program administered by the Arizona Commerce Authority to promote research and development of clean energy technologies that improve grid efficiency, reliability, and energy affordability.

• Allocates $5,000,000 from the state general fund in fiscal year 2021-2022 for grants to political subdivisions, nonprofit organizations, and private enterprises, with at least 30% directed to counties with populations under 900,000 persons.

• Limits administrative costs to no more than 5% of appropriated monies and requires grant recipients to partner with a political subdivision or public service corporation providing electricity.

• Requires grant recipients to file annual reports for five years following project completion, with copies distributed to the speaker of the house, senate president, governor, and corporation commission chairperson.

• Establishes a Clean Energy Technology Improvement Advisory Council with representatives from academia, municipal utilities, electric utilities, residential clean energy industry, and electric vehicle industry to advise on grant criteria and program implementation.

• Program expires July 1, 2029, and any unexpended funds revert to the state general fund by June 30, 2024.