Move Local Energy Goals Forward: Apply to the Energy Technology Innovation Partnership Project

The Department of Energy has opened a new application round for its Energy Technology Innovation Partnership Project, a program aimed at coastal, remote, and island communities working to make their local energy systems more affordable and reliable. More than 90 projects in 81 communities are already underway, and local governments, tribes, utilities, and other organizations can apply through November 18, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time.

The program connects communities with regional partner organizations and national laboratories that offer planning help and technical expertise. There are two tracks: a strategic energy planning track, which takes four to eight months and helps communities set goals and build an action plan for near-, mid-, and long-term energy needs, and a technical deep-dive track, which runs 12 to 24 months and provides detailed data and analysis for communities that already have a defined energy project. Participants can also receive funding to help put their plans into action — up to $20,000 for the planning track and up to $50,000 for the deep-dive track.

This program is aimed at community-level applicants, not individual homeowners, so it won't put money directly toward a house. But if your town, tribal government, or local utility takes part, it could shape what energy programs, infrastructure improvements, or rebate opportunities become available in your area down the road. Anyone interested in applying needs to first contact the regional partner for their area to check eligibility.