NASHVILLE (AP) — The state will be taking applications for a third round of Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block grants to communities across the state to improve efficiency.

The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development said in a news release they are taking new applications on Monday. The department has previously given out $12.1 million in these grants to 135 communities.

The grants can be used to fund a variety of projects on the local level, such as retrofitting lighting and heating and cooling systems to be more efficiency, as well as installing renewable energy systems.

The applications will be scored on the local government's overall conservation strategy, project feasibility, community impact, partnerships and other criteria. The program is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, through the Department of Energy.