E N E R G Y

  To encourage energy efficiency and make better choices about energy sources, the REC has announced a National Energy Efficiency Grant Program, funded by the Dutch Government, for registered NGOs of Central and Eastern European countries that have signed a memorandum of understanding with the Dutch Ministry of Housing, Environment and Spatial Planning. These include: Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Slovakia. Calls for Tender will be made by REC Local Offices on a country-by-country basis in these six countries, and applications will be submitted to Local Offices in the language of the country. As of mid-December, the Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia have announced Calls for Tender where grants should be awarded by April 1999.

  The program will support NGO projects aimed at promoting energy efficiency and conservation. Grants are available for projects run by NGOs working in teams with government and/or businesses.

  The following fields of activity and project topics will be accepted under the National Energy Efficiency Grants program:

• raising public awareness on energy conservation and use
• implementing energy efficiency measurements in households, businesses or public buildings
• developing alternative energy strategies and policies, including improving lobbying activities directed at local and national governments
• stimulating constructive discussion and better cooperation between environmental NGOs and other stakeholders, such as businesses and governments, on energy-related issues

  For more info, please look for the announcement in the Bulletin of the REC Local Office in your country, or directly contact the REC Local Office. REC Local Office addresses are listed on the REC's website or contact Ann Tartre at REC head office.