Rural communities looking to improve electricity reliability and affordability may be eligible for support through the Community Microgrid Assistance Partnership (C-MAP).
The program, offered through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Electricity, provides funding and technical assistance to help eligible communities build, operate, or improve microgrid systems. Proposals are due July 2 and may request $200,000 to $575,000 in project funding and up to 24 months of technical assistance. Projects must serve areas with populations of no more than 10,000 people and high electricity costs.
Americans living and working in remote areas often have less reliable energy systems and some of the highest energy costs. For rural communities, tribes, energy cooperatives, local governments, nonprofits, and other eligible applicants, microgrids can be a tool to strengthen local energy systems and better prepare for future needs. A microgrid is a local energy system that can operate with the larger electric grid or independently when needed. As a result, communities with a microgrid can keep power flowing during outages, reduce dependence on long-distance power lines or imported fuel, and support more stable energy costs.
Funding can support planning, design, coordination, and improvement activities. Previous C-MAP awards have included efforts to develop workforce and maintenance strategies for isolated areas, complete feasibility assessments and construction-ready designs for microgrids with battery storage and on-site generation, and explore ways to increase Tribal revenues and reduce fuel imports through electrification for power generation, heating, and transportation.
For communities considering a microgrid for the first time, C-MAP’s Microgrid Support Services may be a good first step. These free services are available on a rolling basis and range from a one-hour consultation to 60 hours of tailored support. Assistance may help applicants review project ideas, identify technical needs, explore funding, and determine whether a microgrid is the right fit before developing a full proposal.
For many rural communities, early infrastructure planning can be difficult to fund. Engineering studies and technical assessments are often needed before a community can move forward with microgrid construction or apply for larger funding opportunities. C-MAP can help communities take those first steps and build stronger partnerships with utilities, technical experts, and local development organizations.
For more information or to apply for Microgrid Support Services, visit the Community Microgrid Assistance Partnership page, or view the full funding opportunity on sam.gov.
