U.S. Department of Energy announces $18 million for Local Government Energy Program

Key Takeaways

On February 27, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced $18 million in available funding for the Local Government Energy Program: Communities Sparking Investments in Transformative Energy (C-SITE) program. The C-SITE program provides funding to local governments for a wide range of renewable energy projects. Counties that represent disadvantaged communities, energy communities or small- and medium-sized jurisdictions are eligible to apply directly to DOE for funding under the program. 

Program Overview

The C-SITE program aims to reduce energy costs and improve air quality; catalyze investment in communities to support economic development and community revitalization; support local energy priorities; and build capacity within local governments. 

Eligible projects

Eligible projects under the C-SITE include those that result in community benefits such as job creation, lower energy burdens, increased access to renewable energy, and public participation in decision making on energy. 

Examples of eligible projects include: 

• Building energy efficiency and/or electrification
• Clean transportation
• Energy infrastructure upgrades
• Microgrid development and deployment
• Resilience hubs
• Workforce development 

Who is eligible for funding under the program? 

Counties that represent disadvantaged communities, energy communities or small- and medium-sized jurisdictions are eligible to apply directly to DOE for funding under the program. This funding opportunity defines small communities as less than 100,000 residents and medium communities as less than 250,000 residents. A C-SITE eligibility map can be found here.

Cost share requirements

• Award minimum: $900,000
• Award maximum: $3,600,000
• Cost share: 5 percent local match required

DOE will make up to twenty awards. Recipients of these funds will also receive comprehensive technical assistance, including the option for an onsite community energy fellow. 

Local match funding must come from non-federal sources and may be met through municipal or tribal budgets, staff time or third-party sources such as philanthropic funds.

Application deadline

Applications are due by May 31, 2024 at 5:00 PM EST. The application can be found here. 

Additional resources

• C-SITE presentation slide deck
• DOE C-SITE press release
• DOE local government energy programs website