Resilient Energy for Wastewater Infrastructure Grant Program

The Resilient Energy for Wastewater Infrastructure (REWI) Grant Program supports the implementation of solar energy and battery storage systems at publicly owned wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Illinois. The program is administered by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Energy, with funding sourced from the U.S. Department of Energy’s (USDOE) State Energy Program (SEP) as authorized by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). Its purpose is to strengthen energy resilience across wastewater infrastructure systems, which are critical to safeguarding public health, environmental integrity, and economic stability, particularly in the face of increasing threats like severe weather events, aging infrastructure, and cyber risks. The REWI program recognizes that resilient wastewater systems contribute to uninterrupted service delivery during emergencies, lower operational costs, and improved environmental and public outcomes. Projects funded under this program must incorporate renewable energy solutions, specifically solar power and battery storage, to improve energy reliability at the WWTP sites. The funding opportunity is designed to help municipalities adapt from reactive recovery strategies toward proactive, long-term resilience planning. Eligible applicants are strictly limited to publicly owned wastewater treatment plants located within the state of Illinois. Applicants must register and become pre-qualified through the Illinois Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) portal. Applications must also include specific documents, including a narrative project plan, budget template and narrative, project eligibility criteria, and a programmatic risk assessment. Compliance with the National Environmental Protection Act and conflict of interest disclosures are required components of the submission. The application window opens on February 11, 2026 and will close at 5:00 PM CST on April 30, 2026. Applications will be evaluated through a competitive review process, with award notifications expected by May 29, 2026. The formal execution of the Uniform Grant Agreement (UGA) will begin on July 1, 2026. All funded projects must be completed by June 30, 2028, with final reimbursement submissions due by July 30, 2028. A total of $7 million is available under this opportunity, with individual awards ranging from $200,000 to $2,000,000. Approximately 10 grants are expected to be awarded. Matching contributions are required, with a 50% match mandated for facilities serving populations greater than 10,000 not located in designated environmental justice areas. A reduced 25% match applies to facilities serving fewer than 10,000 residents within environmental justice areas. Indirect costs are allowable, provided the applicant has a valid indirect cost rate agreement, or elects the standard de minimis rate of 15% under federal cost principles. All project-related questions should be directed to Abby Brokaw, Energy Projects Lead at the Illinois EPA Office of Energy, via email at [email protected] or phone at 217-782-0513. Additional program information, application instructions, and portal access are available through the Illinois Amplifund system and the EPA energy topic page.

Prioritize clarity in resilience outcomes and full completion of environmental and budget requirements.