The USDA’s Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is offering up to $10 million in competitive grants to assist rural communities with disproportionately high energy expenses. Eligible projects focus on energy infrastructure enhancements to address the energy cost burden, including renewable energy installations, energy efficiency improvements, and energy conservation initiatives. The grants aim to benefit entire communities by supporting energy generation, transmission, or distribution projects. Applications must align with the specified criteria outlined in the Notice of Solicitation of Applications. The deadline for submission is December 14, 2015.
Opportunity ID: 279877
General Information
| Document Type: | Grants Notice |
| Funding Opportunity Number: | RD-RUS-HECG15 |
| Funding Opportunity Title: | Assistance to High Energy Cost Rural Communities |
| Opportunity Category: | Discretionary |
| Opportunity Category Explanation: | – |
| Funding Instrument Type: | Grant |
| Category of Funding Activity: | Business and Commerce Community Development Energy |
| Category Explanation: | – |
| Expected Number of Awards: | 12 |
| Assistance Listings: | 10.859 — Assistance to High Energy Cost Rural Communities |
| Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: | No |
| Version: | Synopsis 1 |
| Posted Date: | Oct 28, 2015 |
| Last Updated Date: | – |
| Original Closing Date for Applications: | Dec 14, 2015 |
| Current Closing Date for Applications: | Dec 14, 2015 |
| Archive Date: | Jan 13, 2016 |
| Estimated Total Program Funding: | $10,000,000 |
| Award Ceiling: | $3,000,000 |
| Award Floor: | $50,000 |
Eligibility
| Eligible Applicants: | State governments City or township governments Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities Independent school districts Individuals Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education Special district governments Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education Others (see text field entitled “Additional Information on Eligibility” for clarification) Public and State controlled institutions of higher education For profit organizations other than small businesses Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized) Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments) County governments Private institutions of higher education Small businesses |
| Additional Information on Eligibility: | Individuals may apply on behalf of unincorporated community organizations. Awards will not be made directly to individuals. Eligible applicants also include sole proprietorships, legally-organized for-profit or nonprofit organizations such as, but not limited to, a corporation, association, partnership (including a limited liability partnership), cooperative, or trust. Applicant must be located in the United States, a U.S. Territory or other area authorized by law to participate in programs of the Rural Utilities Service or under the Rural Electrification Act. |
Additional Information
| Agency Name: | Rural Utilities Service |
| Description: | The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), announces the availability of up to $10 million in competitive grants to assist communities with extremely high energy costs. The grant funds may be used to acquire, construct, or improve energy generation, transmission, or distribution facilities serving communities where average annual residential expenditure for home energy exceeding 275 percent of the national average. Eligible projects also include on-grid and off-grid renewable energy projects and implementation of energy efficiency, and energy conservation projects for eligible communities. Projects cannot be for the primary benefit of a single household or business. Grant funds may not be used for the preparation of the grant application, payment of utility bills, fuel purchases, routine maintenance or other routine operating costs, or for the purchase of any equipment, structures, or real estate not directly associated with provision of community energy services. See the published Notice of Solicitation of Applications which describes the eligibility and application requirements, the criteria that will be used by RUS to award funding, and information on how to obtain application materials. |
| Link to Additional Information: | High Energy Cost Grant Program Home Page. |
| Grantor Contact Information: | If you have difficulty accessing the full announcement electronically, please contact:
Robin Meigel
Finance Specialist Phone: 202-720-9452 Email:Robin.Meigel@wdc.usda.gov |
Version History
| Version | Modification Description | Updated Date |
|---|---|---|
Related Documents
Folder 279877 Other Supporting Documents-Application Guide, Instructions, and Required Forms 1 -> HECG Environmental Questionnaire 2015.pdf
Folder 279877 Other Supporting Documents-Application Guide, Instructions, and Required Forms 1 -> Debarment_certification_2015.pdf
Folder 279877 Other Supporting Documents-Application Guide, Instructions, and Required Forms 1 -> Application Guide-HECG 2015-10-14-15.pdf
Folder 279877 Other Supporting Documents-Application Guide, Instructions, and Required Forms 1 -> Special instructions for Grants.gov applications.pdf
Folder 279877 Other Supporting Documents-Application Guide, Instructions, and Required Forms 1 -> AD-3030 01-20-15 Rev Reprsntn Reg Felony and Tax Delinquent Applicants.pdf
Folder 279877 Other Supporting Documents-Application Guide, Instructions, and Required Forms 1 -> 80 FR 61336 10-13-2015.pdf
Packages
| Agency Contact Information: | Robin Meigel Finance Specialist Phone: 202-720-9452 Email: Robin.Meigel@wdc.usda.gov |
| Who Can Apply: | Organization Applicants |
| Assistance Listing Number | Competition ID | Competition Title | Opportunity Package ID | Opening Date | Closing Date | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10.859 | PKG00219410 | Oct 28, 2015 | Dec 14, 2015 | View |
Package 1
Mandatory forms
279877 SF424_Mandatory_1_2-1.2.pdf
279877 Project-1.0.pdf
279877 Attachments-1.0.pdf
279877 SF424A-1.0.pdf
279877 Mandatory_SF424B-1.1.pdf
Optional forms
279877 Other-1.0.pdf