Assistance to High Energy Cost Communities
Department Of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
The purpose of this grant program is to assure access to adequate and reliable energy services for persons in extremely high energy cost communities by providing financial assistance to acquire, construct, extend, upgrade, and otherwise improve energy generation, transmission, or distribution facilities serving the community.
Jargon-free version
Helps communities with high energy costs pay for improvements to energy facilities. This includes funding for renewable energy projects and energy efficiency upgrades.
Quick Facts
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What Is This Program?
What Benefits Are Offered?
Grants to finance the acquisition, construction or improvement of facilities (electric, natural gas, petroleum, renewable, backup/storage) serving eligible high energy cost communities. Funds may also be used for energy efficiency improvements, conservation measures (e.g., weatherization), and programs encouraging energy-saving appliances to lower energy costs for families and individuals.
Who Is Eligible?
Industries: energy providers, retail or power supply providers
Region: United States, U.S. Territories, rural communities
Demographics: Federally-recognized Tribes and Tribal entities
Other Criteria: Most retail or power supply providers serving an eligible rural community, State and local governmental entities, Non-profits (including cooperatives and limited dividend or mutual associations), For-profit businesses, Serving communities with annual average household energy cost exceeding 275 percent of the national average
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📋What Are the Application Steps & Timeline?
- 📝Steps to Apply
- Review eligibility requirements
- Complete the application forms
- Submit the application via the specified method
- 🌐Application Portal
- http://www.grants.gov
- 📤Submission Method
- online
- 🔄Intake Type
- fixed-deadline
📄What Documents Are Required?
- ✅Required Documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- SF-424A (Budget Information - Non-Construction)
- SF-424D (Assurances - Construction Programs)
- SF-LLL (Disclosure of Lobbying Activities)
- Civil Rights Assurance (Form RD 400-4)
- RUS 2025 Environmental Questionnaire
- 📐Format Requirements
- PDF only, max 10MB
- 📥Templates Available
- Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424)
- Budget Information - Non-Construction Programs (SF-424A)
- Budget Information - Construction Programs (SF-424C)
- Assurances - Construction Programs (SF-424D)
- Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL)
- Civil Rights Assurance (Form RD 400-4)
- RUS 2025 Environmental Questionnaire
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💰What Expenses Are Eligible?
- 🧾Eligible Expenses
- Electric generation, transmission and distribution facilities
- Natural gas distribution and storage facilities
- Petroleum product storage and handling facilities
- Renewable energy facilities
- Energy efficiency improvements and conservation measures
- Programs encouraging the use of energy-saving appliances and devices
- Programs aimed at improving the quality and cost of energy service
- 🚫Ineligible Expenses
- Administrative and legal expenses
- Land, structures, rights-of-way, appraisals
- Relocation expenses and payments
- Architectural and engineering fees
- Project inspection fees
- Site work
- Demolition and removal
- Construction
- Equipment
- Miscellaneous
- 💳Payment Model
- mixed
🤝Is Matching Funding Required?
- 🔀Matching Required
- Yes
- 📊Matching Ratio
- 25% minimum
- 🏦Eligible Matching Sources
- cash
- in-kind contributions
- 📚Stacking Rules
- Cumulative government assistance allowed
- 🛡️Proof of Matching Required
- Documentation of cash and in-kind contributions
📊What Are the Reporting Requirements?
- 🗓️Reporting Frequency
- annual
- 📑Reporting Requirements
- progress reports
- 🔍Audit Requirements
- Audit rules — typically the OMB Uniform Guidance Single Audit if the recipient expends $750,000 or more in federal awards in a fiscal year
- 🗄️Record Retention Period
- 3 years post-final-report
How Do I Apply?
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FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Visit the program page for detailed eligibility requirements.
This program offers funding up to $8,000,000 (minimum $7,310,307).
This program accepts applications on a rolling basis.
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