U.S. directs $315 million to boost clean
energy access in rural, tribal communities
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[March 02, 2023]
By Valerie Volcovici
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Rural communities and tribal nations lacking
access to reliable energy will begin receiving more than $300 million to
develop clean and affordable energy sources, the U.S. Energy Department
said on Wednesday. |
U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm
attends the White House daily press briefing, in Washington, U.S.,
January 23, 2023. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein |
A bipartisan infrastructure law signed by President Joe Biden in
2021 earmarked $300 million for remote communities of fewer than
10,000 residents plus $15 million for a prize competition to help
them build capacity for new energy systems.
The announcement means communities can now apply for federal
cost-share funding from $5 million to $10 million for single-site
demonstration projects and for up to $100 million for
multi-community projects to increase energy affordability and build
climate resilience.
"The DOE is doubling down on its efforts to ensure every American —
especially those in rural and remote areas — can unlock the public
health and cost-saving benefits that come with the transition to a
clean energy future,” Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said in a
statement.
Roughly one of every six Americans lives in rural or remote
communities, which tend to grapple with disproportionately high
energy bills and unreliable energy service due to their distance
from larger transmission systems and low population density.
Lack of reliable energy for tribes and rural communities is often a
barrier to economic development.
The funding aims to provide these communities with eligible projects
to upgrade electric grid transmission and distribution, modernize
existing electric generation facilities and increase energy
efficiency.
U.S. Deputy Energy Secretary David Turk announced the availability
of funding at the Alaska Federation of Natives' Alaska Day
Convention.
The funding will be distributed through nine geographical regions
representing different energy access issues, weather patterns and
climate impacts. Projects must include plans ensuring that benefits
will be spread equitably across affected communities.
(Reporting by Valerie Volcovici; Editing by Howard Goller)
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