Local Governments, Tribes, Utilities, and Organizations Across the Country Can Pursue Affordable Energy Solutions With Support From National Laboratories and Regional Organizations Coastal, remote, and island communities across the United States can overcome energy reliability hurdles—like aging infrastructure and harsh weather conditions—as participants in the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Energy Technology Innovation Partnership Project (ETIPP). More than 90 ETIPP projects in 81 communities are already assessing, planning for, and implementing dozens of technologies and strategies to improve the affordability, reliability, and security of their energy systems. The ETIPP application is now open for a new round of communities to apply, and the program will accept applications through Nov. 18, 2026. “The ETIPP program is a great opportunity for eligible communities to work with leading energy experts to make progress on their unique energy goals and learn from each other,” said Tessa Greco, one of ETIPP’s program managers at DOE’s National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR). ETIPP connects community representatives with regional partner organizations and national laboratories that can deliver strategic energy analysis and planning support. ETIPP’s regional partners bring a wide range of skill sets, including community outreach and engagement, energy education, workforce development, and knowledge of regional funding opportunities and programs. ETIPP’s national laboratories, led by NLR, provide energy technical assistance that leverages decades of deep energy research and development across the country. To meet communities wherever they are in the planning and implementation process, ETIPP offers two distinct tracks: energy planning and deep-dive technical assistance. Communities use the strategic energy planning track while in the early stages of their energy project development and spend four to eight months developing clear objectives and actionable goals for their energy systems. ETIPP’s regional partners and national laboratory experts work with communities to complete a strategic energy plan, which includes a high-level energy assessment and baseline, individualized community goals, and a unique community action plan that defines energy reliability and affordability in the near, mid, and long term. Communities use the technical deep-dive track to further an existing energy plan or well-defined energy project. After 12 to 24 months spent working with ETIPP’s national laboratories, these communities are equipped with data and analyses on the technical dimensions of specific energy solutions. ETIPP’s national laboratories have also developed tailored tools and resources in support of these projects, including rural energy best practices, community energy websites, open-source power system models, heat recovery system redesign options, energy generation and storage analyses, energy and economic performance and feasibility models, fact sheets, technical reports, and more. ETIPP communities may also receive funds—up to $20,000 for those in the strategic energy planning track and up to $50,000 for those in the deep-dive technical assistance track—to help implement their technical solutions. To serve communities within and beyond their ETIPP participation, the program also offers a knowledge-sharing network that compiles resources, technical tools, and guidance documents that have been used by the program’s labs, partners, and communities. The ETIPP application is open through 11:59 p.m. MT on Nov. 18, 2026. Interested parties are required to contact the ETIPP regional partner representing their area to discuss eligibility before applying. Visit the ETIPP page to find a list of regional partners, learn more about the program, and apply. ETIPP is managed by NLR and funded and supported by DOE’s Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation. ETIPP is a community-led technical support program for coastal, remote, and island communities to access unique solutions and increase energy affordability and reliability. By uniting federal agencies, national laboratories, regional organizations, and community stakeholders, ETIPP provides tailored technical support to help communities achieve affordable, reliable solutions to their energy system challenges. This collaborative model leverages the combined expertise and resources of its partners to deliver comprehensive, practical solutions that align with local needs. By Brooke Van Zandt, NLR
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