What does this funding get me?
Funds appropriated through section 80003 of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) gave $150 million to the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) to be used for:
- The provision of electricity to unelectrified Tribal homes through zero-emissions energy systems
- Transitioning electrified Tribal homes to zero-emissions energy systems
- Associated home repairs and retrofitting as necessary to install the zero-emissions energy systems.
The anticipated award size is between $250,000 and $20 million.
Am I eligible?
Federally-recognized Tribal Governments and Native American Organizations (including cooperatives, corporations, partnerships, associations) are eligible. Tribal consortia must coordinate with Federally-recognized tribes within their service area.
How can I access the money?
Eligible parties should download and complete the pre-application and application on the BIA website.
What is the timeline?
The program includes two rounds of funding. The first application period ended December 22, 2023. Award announcements were scheduled to be made in March 2024. The BIA will publish guidance on round two on May 1, 2024 (find details here after that date). Applications will be due June 30, 2024.
What other incentives could I use to help me accomplish my goals?
If you are installing solar or certain other clean energy technologies, check out the clean electricity investment tax credit for individuals, businesses or tax-exempt entities.
Further assistance may be available to low-income homes installing solar energy when NC and SC receive their grants under the Solar for All program.
Affordable loans from community lenders may become available in late 2024/early 2025 as funds awarded under the IRA’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund are deployed.
Check out DOE’s Tribal Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates Program.
Check the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) for additional incentives that may be offered by your state, local government, or utility, as well as important federal, state, and local policies. For questions regarding DSIRE, contact Justin Lindemann (NC Clean Energy Technology Center) at jplindem@ncsu.edu.
Where can I get more information?
- More information can be found at the BIA website.
- A presentation from the Department of the Interior is available.
- For more information, contact the Office of Indian Economic Development.
- In addition to the resources listed above, a variety of organizations offer technical assistance that may help you access these funds. They are listed on our Get Help page.
- For specific questions about this program or for more assistance, contact Jessica Finkel at info@energyfundsforall.org.