Press Release
☷Biden Harris Administration Announces $366 Million to Lower Energy Costs and Enhance Energy Security in Rural and Remote Communities Across the Nation
U.S. Department of Energy ( By Press Release office)
Feb 29,2024
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President Biden is supporting 17 projects in 20 states and 30 Tribal Nations and communities to bring clean energy and high - quality jobs to every corner of America . The U . S . Department of Energy is providing over $366 million for these projects , which will help rural and remote areas access clean energy and improve energy security . This funding , made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law , will support initiatives like building microgrids for community health centers and constructing hydroelectric facilities on Tribal lands . These projects are part of the Biden - Harris Administration ' s commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable clean energy future . Secretary of Energy Jennifer M . Granholm emphasizes the importance of revitalizing communities and providing economic opportunities for future generations . In line with President Biden ' s Justice40 Initiative , these projects are focused on addressing energy and environmental justice in disadvantaged communities . Rural and remote areas face unique energy challenges , such as higher electric bills and unreliable energy supplies . This support is especially crucial for Tribal communities , where a significant number of homes remain unelectrified . It is important to address these disparities and provide access to clean energy for all communities . We ' re ramping up clean energy projects in rural and remote areas with the help of the DOE ' s ERA program . These projects focus on various clean energy technologies like solar , battery storage , and microgrids . Some projects will specifically benefit Tribal communities , like the Navajo and Hopi Nations , by installing solar and battery energy storage systems for homes . One project in Taos Pueblo aims to save households $700 per year . For example , the CHARGE Partnership plans to build resilient energy systems for Community Health Centers in eight southeastern states , starting in Tunica , Mississippi . Another project in Chignik Bay , Alaska , aims to renovate a dam and add a hydroelectric facility to improve the community ' s water supply and create construction jobs . To support rural communities , environmental justice , and Tribal energy sovereignty , each project selected for award negotiation will develop a Community Benefits Plan through community engagement . The Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations will hold virtual briefings to provide information and engage with the public . It ' s important to note that selection for negotiations doesn ' t guarantee funding , as there is a negotiation process and the Department of Energy may cancel or rescind the selection . Applicants might change during the award negotiations , and if you get the award , OCED will manage your project in phases with checkpoints along the way . They also oversee the ERA program , which includes opportunities like the Energizing Rural Communities Prize and the ERA Fixed Grant Award Program . OCED is gathering feedback to improve future funding options for the ERA program , all in support of the Biden - Harris Administration ' s efforts to combat climate change and provide clean energy for all Americans .
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