Assistance to High Energy Cost Communities

The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is announcing the availability of up to $10 million in competitive grants to assist communities with extremely high energy costs. The grant funds may be used to acquire, construct, or improve energy generation, transmission, or distribution facilities serving communities where the average annual residential expenditure for home energy exceeds 275% of the national average. Eligible projects also include on-grid and off-grid renewable energy projects and the implementation of energy efficiency and energy conservation projects for eligible communities. Some key points to consider: • The grant funds may not be used for the preparation of the grant application, operating costs, or for the purchase of any equipment, structures, or real estate not directly associated with the provision of community energy services. • Projects cannot be for the primary benefit of a single household or business. • Eligible applicants include individuals, sole proprietorships, for-profit or nonprofit organizations, and other entities. • The grant program is part of the USDA's efforts to support rural development and improve energy efficiency in high-energy-cost communities.