FY 2025 Energizing Insular Communities Program

Background
The Office of Insular Affairs (OIA) is seeking proposals for the Energizing Insular Communities (EIC) Program. This program aims to provide grant funding for sustainable energy strategies. The goal is to reduce electricity costs for consumers and enhance the performance of energy infrastructure and overall energy efficiency in U.S. territories.

Grant Details
The grant will support projects that align with the territory's Strategic Energy Plan or Energy Action Plan. Key tasks include:

1. Reducing electricity costs for consumers;
2. Providing economic, environmental, cultural, or social benefits;
3. Demonstrating replicability or expansion potential;
4. Justifying the need for OIA funding;
5. Developing a clear project description and implementation plan including location, scope, estimated energy production, and projected reductions in energy consumption;
6. Ensuring compliance with utility interconnection policies;
7. Providing a credible operation & maintenance plan post-funding;
8. Quantifying non-energy benefits such as job creation and disaster resilience improvements;
9. Addressing environmental considerations including permitting and waste disposal plans.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include organizations that can demonstrate the capability to manage projects effectively and have experience in similar projects. They must also secure necessary co-financing or cost-sharing arrangements, with support from stakeholders and local government.

Period of Performance
The period of performance will be defined within the proposal but must allow for project completion within a reasonable timeframe following grant award.

Grant Value
The total value of the grant opportunity has not been specified, but individual awards will be based on project scope and needs as outlined in proposals.

Place of Performance
The grant activities will take place in U.S. territories as specified in the proposals submitted by applicants.