High Energy Cost Grants
ID: 357929Type: Posted
Overview

Buyer

Rural Utilities Service (USDA-RUS)

Award Range

$100K - $3M

Eligible Applicants

Unrestricted

Funding Category

Energy

Funding Instrument

Grant

Opportunity Category

Discretionary

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

Yes

Original Source

https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/357929

Additional Information

https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/electric-programs/high-energy-cost-grants
Timeline
    Description

    The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is offering the High Energy Cost Grants program, which provides funding to assist communities facing extremely high energy costs, specifically those where residential energy expenditures exceed 275% of the national average. The program aims to enhance energy infrastructure by funding projects that improve energy generation, transmission, and distribution facilities, including renewable energy initiatives, while ensuring that the benefits serve eligible communities rather than individuals or single businesses. With an estimated total program funding of $10 million and grants ranging from $100,000 to $3 million, interested applicants must submit their proposals by February 28, 2025, and can contact Robin L. Meigel at robin.meigel@usda.gov for further information.

    Point(s) of Contact
    robin.meigel@usda.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    Application.pdf
    The High Energy Cost Grant Program, administered by the USDA Rural Utilities Service (RUS), provides funding to enhance energy infrastructure in rural communities facing extremely high energy costs, defined as those exceeding 275% of the national average. The 2025 funding opportunity has a deadline of February 28, 2025, with available funding estimated between $8 to $10 million. Eligible applicants include various organizations, governments, and tribes, provided their projects serve communities with qualifying energy expenses. The application process involves submitting a comprehensive proposal that outlines project eligibility, community needs, and technical feasibility, supplemented by supporting data on energy costs. The grants can fund a variety of projects aimed at improving energy generation, transmission, and distribution, including renewable energy initiatives. However, certain expenditures such as utility bills or non-project-related costs are ineligible. Successful applications are evaluated based on defined criteria, focusing on the project's design, community impact, and the applicant’s organizational capacity, with a scoring system ranging up to 100 points. This grant program underscores the federal commitment to supporting energy needs in rural areas, reducing the financial burden of energy costs on residents.
    Form.pdf
    The Equal Opportunity Agreement is a contract between the recipient and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that mandates compliance with the nondiscrimination provisions of Executive Order 11246. This agreement applies to any construction work financed, in whole or in part, with federal assistance exceeding $10,000. Key obligations of the recipient include incorporating an "Equal Opportunity Clause" in contracts, ensuring nondiscrimination in hiring and employment practices, and adhering to various reporting and compliance requirements set by the USDA and the Secretary of Labor. The agreement stipulates that failure to comply can result in contract termination, suspension, or legal proceedings. Furthermore, recipients must notify contractors of the need to submit compliance statements and will assist the USDA in monitoring compliance. This document serves to uphold equitable treatment in federally assisted projects, reinforcing the government's commitment to eradicating discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in employment and contract practices. Overall, it establishes a framework for ensuring equal opportunity in construction-related activities funded by federal resources.
    HECG.pdf
    The High Energy Cost Grant Program, administered by the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) of the USDA, offers funding for fiscal year 2025 to assist communities where residential energy costs exceed 275% of the national average. Grants, ranging from $100,000 to $3 million, are aimed at improving energy generation and distribution facilities, and may also support renewable energy initiatives. The application deadline is February 28, 2025, with an estimated $8 to $10 million available based on prior funding levels. Applicants must follow specific guidelines and submit a comprehensive proposal including eligibility documentation, project narratives, and supporting certifications. Priorities include addressing economic recovery, racial justice, and climate change. The program stipulates strict eligibility criteria for applicants and communities, as well as regulations on costs and fund usage. Overall, the program aims to alleviate high energy costs and bolster rural energy infrastructure to enhance community welfare and economic stability.
    Similar Opportunities
    Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Program
    Rural Business-Cooperative Service
    The Rural Business-Cooperative Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture is offering the Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Program (REAP) to assist agricultural producers and rural small businesses in reducing energy costs and consumption. This program provides grants and guaranteed loans for renewable energy installations and energy audits, with a focus on promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy adoption in underserved rural areas. Eligible applicants include agricultural producers, rural small businesses, governmental entities, educational institutions, and rural cooperatives, with a total estimated program funding of $35.4 million and an award ceiling of $500,000. Applications are accepted year-round, with specific deadlines for different funding categories, and interested parties can find more information and contact details through the State Energy Coordinator link provided in the program documentation.
    Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant
    Rural Business-Cooperative Service
    The Rural Business-Cooperative Service, part of the USDA, is offering the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program to support rural projects through local utility organizations. This initiative aims to provide zero-interest loans and grants to local utilities, which will then pass the funding to businesses that create or retain jobs in rural areas. The program anticipates awarding up to $2 million for loans and $300,000 for grants, with a total of approximately 40 awards expected. Interested applicants must ensure their submissions are received by the USDA Rural Development State Office by the quarterly deadlines, with the final date for this funding cycle being June 30, 2025. For further inquiries, contact Cindy Mason at cindy.mason@usda.gov or call 202-690-1433.
    Rural Energy for America Program
    Rural Business-Cooperative Service
    The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is offering funding opportunities through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), aimed at supporting small businesses and agricultural producers in enhancing energy efficiency and renewable energy systems. Eligible applicants must meet Small Business Administration (SBA) size standards, and the program has a total estimated funding of $200 million, with individual grants ranging from $0 to $1 million. This initiative is crucial for promoting sustainable energy practices in rural areas, with applications accepted from October 16, 2024, through September 30, 2027, and a projected 6,000 awards anticipated. Interested parties can find more information on the program's website and should direct inquiries to CPGrants@usda.gov or their State Energy Coordinator.
    Community Connect Grant Program
    Rural Utilities Service
    The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) under the USDA is offering the Community Connect Grant Program for Fiscal Year 2025, aimed at providing financial assistance to eligible applicants to establish broadband services in rural communities lacking adequate internet access. The program specifically targets areas where broadband service is defined as providing less than 10 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload speeds, with a focus on community-oriented connectivity that enhances economic development and educational opportunities. With an estimated total funding of $26 million available for grants ranging from $100,000 to $5 million, applications will be accepted from February 20, 2025, until April 21, 2025, and interested parties can reach out to the Community Connect Help Desk at community.connect@usda.gov for further information.
    Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas – Fiscal Year 2025 Release
    Headquarters
    The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a funding opportunity titled "Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas – Fiscal Year 2025 Release," aimed at supporting clean energy projects in communities with populations of 10,000 or fewer. This initiative, part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, seeks to lower energy costs, enhance access to clean energy, and promote environmental sustainability through various eligible activities, including improving energy systems and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. With a total funding pool of $400 million, applicants can request between $2 million and $50 million, and must submit concept papers by February 27, 2025, with full applications due by August 28, 2025. For more information, interested parties can contact Margaret A. Davide-Smith at 240-306-4964 or via email at margaret.davide-smith@hq.doe.gov, and additional details can be found on the OCED Funding Opportunity Exchange website.
    Community Facilities Program Disaster Repair Grants
    Rural Housing Service
    The Rural Housing Service is offering the Community Facilities Program Disaster Repair Grants, aimed at providing financial assistance for the repair of essential community facilities damaged by federally declared disasters in 2022. Eligible applicants include public bodies, nonprofit corporations, and Federally-recognized tribes located in rural areas affected by such disasters, with grants covering up to 75% of total project costs. With an estimated total funding of $50 million and the potential for up to 30 awards, applications will be accepted on a continual basis until funds are exhausted. Interested parties can reach out to Surabhi Dabir at Surabhi.dabir@usda.gov or by phone at 202-768-5875 for further information and guidance on the application process.
    Calendar Year 2022 Disaster Water Grants
    Rural Utilities Service
    The Rural Utilities Service, part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is offering the Calendar Year 2022 Disaster Water Grants Program to assist rural communities in recovering from water infrastructure damages caused by Presidentially Declared Disasters in 2022. This program aims to provide at least $247.25 million in grant funding to eligible entities for expenses related to the repair and enhancement of water systems, including drinking water, wastewater, solid waste, and stormwater projects, thereby improving community resilience and addressing long-term risks. Eligible applicants include public bodies, nonprofit organizations, and tribal entities, all of which must demonstrate legal authority, financial capability, and compliance with federal regulations. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted, and interested parties can contact Angela Tilghman at Water-RD@usda.gov or by phone at 302-857-3598 for further information.
    FY 2025 Energizing Insular Communities Program
    Department of the Interior
    The Department of the Interior is offering the FY 2025 Energizing Insular Communities Program, a federal grant aimed at funding sustainable energy strategies in U.S. territories. This program seeks proposals that will reduce electricity costs for consumers and enhance the performance and efficiency of energy infrastructure in Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The initiative is critical for promoting renewable energy solutions and improving energy access in these regions. Interested applicants, including local government entities, utilities, and educational institutions, should note that the estimated total program funding is $15,250,000, with applications due by May 16, 2025. For further inquiries, contact Krystina Alfano at krystinaalfano@ios.doi.gov.
    BIL DE-FOA-0003525: 2025 RENEW AMERICA'S SCHOOLS PRIZE TO COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT
    Golden Field Office
    The U.S. Department of Energy's Golden Field Office is offering the 2025 Renew America's Schools Prize, a federal grant opportunity aimed at enhancing public school infrastructure through cooperative agreements. This initiative seeks to transform aging school facilities into healthier, energy-efficient environments, particularly focusing on local educational agencies in rural and high-poverty areas. The program will award up to $4.2 million in cash prizes and subsequent cooperative agreements ranging from $7.5 million to $15 million for implementation, with a total estimated funding of $89.2 million. Interested applicants must register on the HeroX application portal and submit their proposals by April 3, 2025, with additional details available at https://www.herox.com/2025renewschoolsprize. For inquiries, contact Andrea Swiatocha at andrea.swiatocha@hq.doe.gov or call 240-246-6932.
    Rural Community Development Program (RCD) Water and Wastewater Treatment Systems Training and Technical Assistance Project
    Administration for Children and Families - OCS
    The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is forecasting the availability of approximately $11 million in discretionary grant funds for the Rural Community Development Program (RCD), aimed at providing training and technical assistance for water and wastewater treatment systems in small, rural communities. The primary objectives of this grant are to enhance access to essential water supply and waste disposal services for low-income families, preserve affordable services, and build local capacity to maintain necessary community facilities. This initiative is crucial for promoting economic opportunities and improving coordination among federal, state, and local agencies to benefit low-income rural communities. Interested organizations must submit their applications electronically by May 1, 2025, with awards expected to range from $400,000 to $1,381,975, and the estimated award date is August 29, 2025. For further inquiries, contact Harold J. Taylor II at (202) 401-5711 or via email at harold.taylor@acf.hhs.gov.