Biden Administration Launches $1 Billion Program to Improve Energy Generation in Rural and Remote Areas

The U.S. Energy Department on Oct. 12 issued a request for information seeking public input on a $1 billion program funded by the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to enhance energy systems in rural or remote communities across the U.S. The Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas, or ERA, program aims to increase the flexibility, reliability and accessibility of energy systems, assisting communities in engaging in the public health and cost saving paybacks of cleaner and more effective energy.

The ERA program will deliver federal funding to rural communities to increase the general cost effectiveness of energy generation, transmission or distribution systems, and enhance transmission and distribution lines. Moreover, the program is expected to diminish greenhouse gas emissions from energy production in such communities and modernize electric generation facilities.  Funding from the program will also be utilized to enhance microgrids and improve energy efficiency.

The Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations will supervise the program and is tasked with finding and demonstrating innovative solutions that can bolster energy systems in rural areas to provide resiliency against the harshest impacts of climate change.

To assist efficient and robust execution of the program, the department requests input on the various forms of energy demonstration projects, practical design solutions, equity, environmental and energy fairness, and workforce and knowledge share gained through ERA demonstrations to make sure that the projects nominated are scalable and replicable. Furthermore, the department will host a number of workshops for concerned stakeholders to give them the opportunity to ask questions and debate the various kinds of projects that can enhance their energy systems.

Comments are due within Nov. 28.