Applications Open for New Microgrid Support Services

Remote communities and industries across the United States face unique challenges providing affordable, reliable, and secure energy. For many of these areas, one of the most effective solutions is to develop a microgrid—a local energy system capable of maintaining electricity service with or without connection to the larger grid. Yet local leaders often lack access to the specialized expertise and tools needed to plan, finance, and implement microgrid projects.

The Community Microgrid Assistance Partnership (C‑MAP) is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) program designed to provide funding and technical support to communities seeking to build, operate, or enhance isolated microgrid systems. C‑MAP is funded by the DOE’s Office of Electricity (OE) and managed by the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR).

C-MAP is now accepting applications for microgrid support services to help community decision makers address questions about microgrid energy systems. Services range from a one‑time consultation with a subject matter expert to up to 60 hours of in‑depth technical assistance, including feasibility analysis, modeling reviews, technology screening, and procurement support.

"Power grids aren't built by equipment alone—they're built by people who can turn plans into reality," said Katie Jereza, Assistant Secretary for Electricity at the U.S. Department of Energy. "C-MAP gives rural leaders access to the expertise they need to build affordable, reliable energy systems to transform isolated communities into places where businesses and families can grow and thrive."

C-MAP’s new microgrid support services provide three levels of free, custom support to meet a range of community and industry needs:

• Ask an Expert—A short session with a subject matter expert for organizations seeking high-level insights or tools and resources.
• Opportunity Matching—Up to 5 hours of guidance for eligible nonprofits, state and local governments, and Tribes to identify and navigate relevant funding and technical assistance opportunities.
• Tailored Support—Up to 60 hours of customized assistance for eligible organizations seeking prefeasibility techno‑economic analysis, modeling, technology screening, document review, procurement support, or other technical support.

All of C-MAP's public, cross-cutting materials will be made available through the Community Microgrid Innovation Exchange (C-MIX) to support replication of microgrid innovations in additional communities. C-MIX provides a curated resource library focused on microgrids for isolated energy needs, along with access to events and other opportunities to learn from and engage with subject matter experts and microgrid practitioners across the country.

Together, C-MAP’s microgrid support services and C‑MIX offer year-round, on-demand resources to advance microgrid innovation, improve reliability, and secure affordable power for remote communities and industries.

“Our goal is to ensure remote communities have the tools and expertise they need to make informed decisions about microgrids,” said Dan Ton, the OE Microgrid Research and Development Program Manager and OE lead for C-MAP. “By combining technical support with collaborative platforms like C‑MIX, we’re helping local leaders turn ideas into lasting energy solutions.”

C-MAP also provides funding through periodic, competitive funding solicitations designed to strengthen microgrid energy systems and advance replicable solutions. In 2025, C‑MAP selected 14 awardees—spanning 37 towns and villages—to receive funding and technical assistance through a competitive solicitation to implement innovative microgrid technologies and solutions.

Learn More and Apply:

Apply for C-MAP microgrid support services. 

Access the C-MIX resource library for microgrid materials and upcoming events.