Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas

Federal Agency

Sub-Department

Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED)

Purpose

To improve the resilience, reliability, and affordability of energy systems in communities across the country with 10,000 or fewer people.

Applicant and/or Project Eligibility Requirements

This program aims to implement community-driven clean energy projects using one or more clean energy technologies that improve reliability and/or resilience of energy systems, reduce energy poverty, or improve environmental performance of energy generation in a rural or remote community.

Decarbonization Considerations

Core project areas include: Overall cost-effectiveness of energy generation, transmission, or distribution systems; Siting or upgrading transmission and distribution lines; Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from energy generation by rural or remote areas; Providing or modernizing electric generation facilities; Developing microgrids; and Increasing energy efficiency.

Equity Considerations

Two of the key goals of this program are to deliver measurable benefits to energy customers in rural or remote areas by funding replicable energy projects that lower energy costs, improve energy access and resilience, and/or reduce environmental harm and build clean energy knowledge, capacity, and self-reliance throughout rural America.

Helpful Tips

OCED is also offering no-cost technical assistance to communities and organizations interested in energy improvements in rural or remote areas. Technical assistance will vary based on specific project needs and requests.

Other Notes

$200,000,000 appropriated annually for fiscal years 2022 through 2026 (to remain available until expended) See past awardees here: https://www.energy.gov/oced/energy-improvements-rural-or-remote-areas-selections-award-negotiations