The Rural Utilities Service (RUS or the Agency), a Rural Development (RD) agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), announces funding availability under the High Energy Cost Grant (HECG) Program for fiscal year (FY) 2023. These grant funds will be made to qualified types of applicants to acquire, construct, extend, upgrade, or otherwise improve energy generation, transmission, or distribution facilities serving communities in which the average residential expenditure for home energy is at least 275 percent of the national average. Grants may also be used for programs that install on-grid and off-grid renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements in eligible communities. This program has $10,000,000 available for FY 2023. All applicants are responsible for any expenses incurred in developing their applications.
The purpose of this program is to provide financial assistance for a broad range of energy facilities, equipment, and related activities to offset the impact of extremely high home energy costs on eligible communities. The grants help communities provide basic energy needs by financing energy infrastructure supporting rural prosperity and job creation.
Deadline: Oct. 31, 2023
See solicitation for details
Award Amounts: The maximum amount of grant assistance that will be considered for funding per grant application under this notice is $3,000,000. The minimum amount of grant assistance that will be considered for funding per grant application under this notice is $100,000.