Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas (ERA) Grant Program is Now Open

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Written By Amy Kirschbaum

ERA Grant Program is Now Open

The Department of Energy (DOE) recently announced $300 million in initial funding for the Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas (ERA) program, a major new Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) grant program specifically for utilities. The ERA program provides funding to improve energy systems in communities across the country with less than 10,000 people.

ERA grants are designed to support projects that increase energy affordability and promote climate resilience, with an anticipated federal award from $5 to $100 million per project. Projects must meet these specific goals:

Deliver measurable benefits to energy customers in rural or remote areas by funding replicable energy projects that lower energy costs, improve energy access and resilience, and/or reduce environmental harm.

Demonstrate new rural or remote energy system models using climate-resilient technologies, business structures that promote economic resilience, new financing mechanisms, and/or new community engagement best practices.

Build clean energy knowledge, capacity, and self-reliance in rural America.

Interested communities must submit Concept Papers by April 14, 2023. Technical assistance from DOE is available for eligible applicants.

Amy Kirschbaum

Amy Kirschbaum began her career on Capitol Hill in the office of Congressman E. Clay Shaw, Jr. (FL). Upon leaving her post as legislative assistant in Congressman Shaw's office, Amy worked for the U.S. Congressional Sunbelt Caucus as a legislative assistant and later as the Legislative Director. In 1992, Amy moved to Oregon where she continued her career in public affairs at the Oregon Department of Transportation. Before joining Strategics Consulting, Amy was the Executive Director of the Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Oregon and SW Washington. Amy grew up in Broward County, FL, and earned a bachelor’s degree in public policy from Duke University.

Email Amy at: amy@strategics.consulting

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