FY 2026 Energizing Insular Communities Program

The Energizing Insular Communities (EIC) Program is administered by the U.S. Department of the Interior, specifically through the Office of Insular Affairs (OIA). This program supports the economic and national security interests of the United States by improving energy accessibility, reliability, and resilience in the U.S. territories. In particular, it aims to reduce reliance on imported foreign fuels, lower electricity costs, and enhance energy infrastructure performance across the territories. This program aligns with strategic federal initiatives including the Administration’s Energy Dominance policies, Executive Order 14154, and Secretary’s Order No. 3418, “Unleashing American Energy.” The EIC Program makes funding available to local government entities, utilities, semi-autonomous agencies, and institutions of higher education in the U.S. territories of Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Projects must align with territory-specific strategic energy plans, energy action plans, or integrated resource plans. Preference is given to proposals that demonstrate projected cost savings and incorporate domestically produced components and materials. Proposed projects may range from energy supply improvements to energy efficiency initiatives, but solar, wind, and pilot projects are explicitly excluded. Additionally, projects should not supplant local routine operational budgets or fund existing staff salaries. The program supports various energy-related technologies, including those based on natural gas, diesel, geothermal, waste-to-energy, and biogas, as well as storage and transmission systems. Prior funded projects include integrated resource planning, energy efficiency retrofits (lighting, air conditioning, cool roofing), microgrids, battery systems, and grid integration studies. Grant funding cannot be used for political lobbying or projects misaligned with national executive directives or Department of the Interior guidance. Infrastructure projects must comply with Build America, Buy America (BABA) regulations and use U.S.-made construction materials. Applications must be submitted via Grants.gov or GrantSolutions.gov no later than May 18, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Applicants must first register on SAM.gov to obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), and the registration process may take several months. Required application documents include SF-424, SF-424A or SF-424C (budget), SF-424B or SF-424D (assurances), SF-429 (if real property is involved), a one-page project abstract, and a comprehensive project narrative. The project narrative must address a detailed project description, timeline, need, goals and objectives, environmental and regulatory compliance, and, if applicable, prioritization of multiple projects. Evaluation of submissions is conducted through eligibility and merit reviews. Merit criteria vary based on project type but generally include alignment with strategic plans, cost savings potential, technical feasibility, environmental compliance, organizational capacity, and stakeholder support. Evaluation also considers permitting feasibility under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), budget clarity, and performance measurement. Successful applicants are expected to begin projects by October 1, 2026, and conclude by September 30, 2029. Grant awards may total up to $15,000,000 per project, and approximately ten awards are anticipated. While there is no cost-sharing requirement, indirect costs must comply with 2 CFR 200 standards. Projects must not commence before receiving official Authorization to Proceed, except for work related to NEPA compliance. OIA may request additional documentation post-submission. Grantees must submit semi-annual performance and financial reports and comply with all federal audit, financial, and data management regulations. All funded activities must uphold the applicable federal cost principles and administrative requirements set forth in 2 CFR 200.

Ensure proposals are tied to active strategic energy plans and demonstrate cost savings; preference for U.S.-made components and regulatory compliance.