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USDA is Seeking Applications for Grants to Offset High Energy Costs in Rural Areas

Name
Erin McDuff
Phone
City
Portland
Release Date

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development is accepting applications for grants to offset high energy costs in rural areas.

Up to $10 million is available nationwide this year through the High Energy Cost Grant Program. The funding can be used to acquire, construction, extend, upgrade, or otherwise improve energy generation, transmission, or distribution facilities. The grants may also be used to install on-grid and off-grid renewable energy systems and to make energy efficiency improvements.

Most state and local government agencies, federally-recognized tribes and tribal entities, nonprofits, and for-profit businesses are eligible to apply. The projects must be located in rural communities where the average residential home energy expenditure is at least 275 percent of the national average. These grants are awarded on a competitive basis.

The deadline to apply is July 6, 2021. Paper applications must be postmarked and mailed or shipped by this date. Electronic applications must be submitted through grants.gov by 9:00 pm PST on July 6.

Questions related to USDA Electric Programs in Alaska, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Marshall Islands, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington may be directed to Rodney Peach, Electric General Field Representative, (509) 309-6923. Those with project proposals outside of Oregon should contact USDA Rural Development in the corresponding state.