The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development is seeking applications for grants to offset extremely high energy costs in rural areas. USDA expects to award up to $10 million nationwide.
High Energy Cost Grants may be used to acquire, construct, extend, upgrade, or otherwise improve energy generation, transmission, or distribution facilities in rural communities where the annual residential home energy expenditure is at least 275 percent of the national average. The grants may also be used to install on-grid and off-grid renewable energy systems and to make energy efficiency improvements. State and local governments and nonprofits are eligible to apply.
lectronic applications must be submitted to grants.gov by June 24, 2019. For additional information, see the 2019 Funding Opportunity Announcement. Questions related to USDA Electric Programs in Alaska, California, Hawaii, Idaho, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington may be directed to Rodney Peach, Electric General Field Representative, (509) 309-6923.