The Microgrids for Community Resilience (MCR) Program is a joint initiative by the Colorado Department of Local Affairs and the U.S. Department of Energy. It was created through House Bill 22-1013 and expanded with federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law under DOE’s 40101d formula. The goal of the program is to enhance community resilience to electric grid disruptions, especially in rural and high-risk communities across Colorado, by supporting the planning and construction of microgrids.
Microgrids, which can operate independently from the main electric grid, are essential for maintaining reliable power during natural disasters, extreme weather, or infrastructure failures. The MCR Program offers financial support to develop microgrid resources that serve community anchor institutions such as schools, libraries, health centers, law enforcement, and emergency services. Projects that favor non-fossil fuel sources are prioritized.
The program provides both planning and implementation grants. Planning grants are restricted to cooperative electric associations and municipally-owned utilities serving rural areas, while construction grants are open to all utilities, local governments, and community anchor institutions within Colorado. Eligible applicants must demonstrate vulnerability to climate, socioeconomic, or infrastructure risks, and articulate how their proposed project will improve resilience.
Each construction grant can be up to $2,500,000 and each planning grant up to $75,000. Matching contributions are required: a one-third match for small utilities and 100% for larger utilities and non-utility applicants. Compliance with NEPA, the Davis-Bacon Act, and the Build America Buy America Act is mandatory for federally funded projects. Applications are scored on project clarity, community benefits, risk assessment, and readiness.
Application deadlines for the latest cycle have passed, with Round 4 now closed and award notifications expected in the first quarter of 2025. Applicants are encouraged to contact Julia Masters (julia.masters@state.co.us, 303-349-1616) for pre-submission consultations. Extensive technical assistance is available, including from Collective Energy, TAPs, and other DOE-supported programs.
Previous awardees include CORE Electric Cooperative, San Miguel Power Association, and the City of Aspen, among others, for both feasibility studies and planning efforts. The next round of funding is expected in early 2026. Interested entities should monitor the MCR website and sign up for the state’s grid resiliency email list for updates.
Applicants are encouraged to have a pre-submission meeting with Julia Masters and use available technical assistance resources.
