The Department of Energy recently launched a new $9 million effort—the Energy Storage for Social Equity Initiative (ES4SE)—to assist as many as 15 underserved and frontline communities to leverage energy storage as a means of increasing resilience and maximizing energy flexibility. This funding will help promote an equitable clean energy transition, advance more affordable and reliable electricity, and support the Biden Administration’s Justice40 goals.

ES4SE is designed to help communities better assess storage as a solution for increasing energy resilience while maintaining affordability and combating high energy insecurities. Nationally, more than 65% of low-income households face a high energy burden and more than 30% of all households experienced some form of energy insecurity—sometimes even foregoing food, medicine, and heating or cooling comfort—in order to pay an energy bill.

Selected communities will gain access to DOE’s technical experts for assistance in conducting energy, economic, equity, and spatial analysis, as well as assistance in developing and deploying locally-tailored energy storage projects.

Interested communities are invited to attend an informational webinar Monday, November 8 at 3:00 pm ET for additional support in completing a brief application.

Interested communities can also complete an optional Interest Form to receive personalized assistance. Interest Forms are due November 5, 2021 at 5 pm Pacific Time.

 

Full applications are due December 3, 2021 at 5 pm Pacific Time.