New FY 2025 Energizing Insular Communities Program

Background
The Office of Insular Affairs (OIA) is issuing a grant opportunity for the Energizing Insular Communities (EIC) Program aimed at promoting domestically produced energy. The program's goal is to protect the United States' economic and national security interests by ensuring reliable energy access across all states and territories. The EIC program provides funding for energy strategies that reduce reliance on imported fuels, lower electricity costs for consumers, and enhance energy infrastructure performance and efficiency in U.S. territories.

Grant Details
The EIC program will fund projects that support local priorities to improve electricity reliability and reduce costs. Proposals must align with updated strategic energy plans or integrated resource plans. Eligible projects include:
1) Deployment of energy generation/transmission systems, thermal storage systems, or studies supporting grid integration;
2) Energy efficiency projects that may involve building upgrades;
3) Technologies such as natural gas, solar, wind, geothermal, and biogas are eligible. Projects must demonstrate site control, withstand extreme weather events, comply with utility interconnection policies, and include a comprehensive operation & maintenance plan. Preference will be given to proposals utilizing domestically produced components.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include local government entities, utilities, semi-autonomous agencies, and institutions of higher education located in U.S. territories such as Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. No cost sharing is required.

Period of Performance
The anticipated project start date is October 1, 2025, with an end date of September 30, 2028.

Grant Value
The estimated total program funding is $15,250,000 with an expected number of awards being 20. Award amounts will vary based on the number and type of applications received.

Place of Performance
The grant will be performed in U.S. territories including Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.