Petroleum Violation Escrow Account

Oil overcharge funds, also known as petroleum violation escrow (PVE) funds, came from fines paid by oil companies in violation of the federal oil price caps in place from 1973-1981. These funds may be used for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. More than half the account's money is channeled through the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) State Energy and Weatherization Assistance Programs and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. These programs grant funds (with DOE review) to states for a broad range of energy-related programs. To date, more than $4 billion in PVE funds have been made available to states. For more information, contact Faith Lambert, DOE, Office of State and Community Programs, at (202) 586-2319, faith.lambert@hq.doe.gov, or your State Energy Office (listed under your state's Points of Contact section).