DOE Announces Initial Funding for New $1 Billion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Program to Improve Energy Systems in Areas with Less Than 10,000 People

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Biden-Harris Administration, through the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), today announced $300 million for projects that increase energy affordability and promote climate resilience and $15 million for a prize competition to help rural communities build the capacity needed for clean energy development and deployment. These two new funding opportunities are a critical component of President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law-funded Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas (ERA) program, which aims to improve the resilience, reliability, and affordability of energy systems in communities across the country with 10,000 or fewer people. Today’s announcements will help deliver local community-driven energy projects in rural and remote communities and reflect the President’s unwavering commitment to ensuring no community is left behind in the nation’s historic transition to a clean energy future.

“Access to a reliable and affordable energy supply is critical to building safer, climate resilient communities and key to addressing the unique energy challenges faced by remote regions,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “Thanks to new investments from President Biden’s clean energy and climate agenda, DOE is doubling down on its efforts to ensure every American—especially those in rural and remote areas—can unlock the public health and cost-saving benefits that come with the transition to a clean energy future.”

Nearly one in six Americans live in a rural or remote community. Due to low population density and isolation from larger electric systems, these communities face higher energy costs and poor electrical reliability. The ERA program, which is managed by DOE’s Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations, will leverage DOE’s expertise and experience in resilient energy solutions to modernize electric generation facilities, address disproportionately high electricity costs, and support new economic opportunities in these communities.

Learn more at: https://www.energy.gov/articles/biden-harris-administration-invests-315-million-advance-reliable-clean-energy-rural-and