The Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s (EGLE) new Community Energy Management Program (CEM), funded by the federal Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act (IIJA), is offering financial support to communities aiming to enhance energy management and expedite the adoption of energy-efficient practices, renewable energy, and clean mobility. CEM offers grant funding to local government entities, tribal governments, and other public service organizations interested in advancing energy-related initiatives, including installing charging infrastructure, fleet electrification, and workforce development initiatives. Eligible applicants can receive grants of up to $100,000 to support their projects.
CEM is crafted to accommodate applicants at various stages of energy management, offering funding options for a diverse array of energy-focused endeavors. The goals of the program include promoting energy planning to ensure strategic implementation of energy-related activities and fostering community engagement, outreach, and education to increase public awareness of the smart energy-related choices local governments are making. These projects encompass a broad scope, including, but not restricted to, transportation projects that reduce emissions and operational expenses through fuel savings and projects that increase publicly available electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to encourage EV adoption in the community.
The Community Energy Management grant offers Michigan communities a valuable opportunity to access funding and participate in the broader state goal of achieving economy-wide carbon neutrality by 2050, as outlined in the Michigan Healthy Climate Plan. Priority will be given to applicants in disadvantaged census tracts and/or those who have not received CEM funding. Grant awards will be distributed on a reimbursement basis only. Eligible expenditures include contractual services, supplies/materials, and equipment items.
Applications are due June 30, 2024.
For more information about CEM or other state and federal funding options, contact Karey Hamrick at karey@cleanfuelsmi.org.
