Southeast Portal for Electric Transportation Opportunities

The US Department of Energy is issuing a funding opportunity announcement (FOA) for the Grid Resilience and Innovative Partnerships (GRIP) GRIP program. will provide funding to modernize the American electric grid and to maximize the benefits of the clean energy transition as the nation works to curb the climate crisis, empower workers, and advance environmental justice. Projects that support electric vehicle charging infrastructure, vehicle-to-grid technologies and capabilities, and electric vehicle are among technical approaches of interest and priority investments (among numerous topics). See link for details and for list of eligible applicants. Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) Number: DE-FOA-0003195. Required concept papers are due January 12, 2024.

The SC Energy Office has received formula funding through the US Department of Energy’s (DOE) Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program to award subgrants to projects and programs that improve energy efficiency, cut carbon emissions, and reduce energy use. Units of local governments in South Carolina may apply for Energy Office subgrants, if they were not eligible to receive EECBG funding directly from DOE as listed in the EECBG Local Government Allocations. The Energy Office plans to award between 20 and 30 EECBG subgrants ranging from $50,000 to $75,000 each. Cost sharing is not required, but leveraging of funds is encouraged to maximize the energy-related benefits of each project. Additionally, projects in disadvantaged communities as defined by the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST) will be prioritized. "Conservation of transportation energy" is among the eligible activity categories. See link for full details and eligibility.

The Innovate Alabama Network seeks applicants from non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and communities for its designation program. The network is designed to recognize and award ecosystem partners for their commitment to support innovation and knowledge-based economic activity. Upon earning a designation, applicants will earn up to $250,000 as an award for acceptance and ongoing access to the Innovate Alabama Network. This award should be used to advance innovation along Innovate Alabama’s people, place, and resource components. See link for details.

Duke Energy is seeking interested school districts in NC to participate in a forthcoming EV School Bus program. Under this program, Duke Energy will provide charging infrastructure for EV school buses and partial funding for bus deployment. Exact timing of deployments is subject to additional funding opportunities; therefore, at this time, the company is seeking districts replacing buses in 2022 and 2023 that have an interest in deploying EV school buses. Up to $215K of funding for each electric school bus and associated infrastructure available. See link for eligibility and details.