Energy Department Selects 63 Tribe-Led Projects for Over $125 Million in Funding

The U.S. Department of Energy said on October 22, 2026, that it has selected 63 tribe-led projects for award negotiations totaling over $125 million. According to the department, the projects span 16 states, including Alaska, and involve 61 tribal entities. The department said the funding is the largest single investment in the 20-year history of its Office of Indian Energy.

The department said the projects fall into three areas. Thirteen will deploy community-scale energy projects, including bringing electric service to 150 tribal homes that currently lack electricity, converting 500 homes and businesses to natural gas heating, and upgrading electrical infrastructure. Twenty-seven will fund predevelopment work such as studies on Tribal Utility Authorities, transmission and distribution, resource assessments, resiliency and workforce development. Twenty-three will support planning and feasibility work for large-scale projects, including identifying geothermal and other energy resources.

Office of Indian Energy Director Eric Mahroum said the office is, for the first time, supporting projects at any phase of development and with a broad set of technologies. Deputy Secretary of Energy James P. Danly said the investment is intended to lower electricity costs and expand access to power.

The department said the projects will be supported through Fiscal Year 2026 and prior-year appropriations. It noted that selection is not a commitment to provide funding, and that it may cancel negotiations and rescind a selection for any reason.

Source: U.S. Department of Energy.

Originally published by True News: https://truenews.bagleyenterprises.net/stories/365