Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: Energy Improvement in Rural or Remote Areas (ERA) Fixed Award Grant Program

The U.S. Department of Energy is seeking applications for the Energy Improvement in Rural or Remote Areas (ERA) Fixed Award Grant Program, which aims to fund clean energy projects that benefit rural and remote communities. The program has three specific goals: deliver measurable benefits to energy customers, support new rural or remote energy system models, and build clean energy knowledge and self-reliance in rural America. The program will provide $50 million in Federal funding to support small community-driven clean energy projects requiring $500,000 to $5 million in Federal funding. • The program will award fixed-amount grants, which significantly reduce financial reporting requirements associated with larger DOE awards. • Recipients are responsible for accomplishing their proposed work. • Technical assistance is available to support the initial development of project concepts. • Applications must include a Community Benefits Plan that describes how the proposed project would incorporate community and labor engagement, invest in America’s workforce, advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, and contribute to the President’s goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities. • Applicants are encouraged to submit Community and Labor Partnership Documentation to demonstrate their ability to achieve the above goals. • The program may consider the extent to which projects benefit communities most impacted by high energy burden, poor energy reliability and resilience, or environmental harm from energy generation.