On January 19, 2022 the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced will be making up to $10 million available “to help people living in rural towns develop community renewable energy projects.” The Rural Energy Pilot Program will aim to help rural communities cut energy costs and reduce carbon pollution, targeting people and regions that have been historically undeserved.
Funds may be used to support 1) community energy planning, capacity building, and technical assistance; 2) community energy efficiency and weatherization; and 3) installation of community-scale renewable energy technologies. For more information on this pilot program, see the USDA website. Letters of Intent must be submitted by April 19, 2022, with final applications due July 18, 2022.