Eligible projects are those that acquire, construct, extend, repair, upgrade or otherwise improve energy generation, transmission or distribution facilities serving communities with extremely high energy costs. All energy generation, transmission and distribution facilities and equipment used to provide or improve electricity, natural gas, home heating fuels, and other energy services to eligible communities are eligible. Projects providing or improving service to communities with extremely high energy costs through on-grid and off-grid renewable energy technologies, energy efficiency, and energy conservation projects and services are eligible. A grant project is eligible if it improves, or maintains energy services, or reduces the costs of providing energy services to eligible communities. Examples of eligible activities include, but are not limited to, the acquisition, construction, replacement, repair, or improvement of:
(a) Electric generation, transmission, and distribution facilities, equipment, and services serving the eligible community;(b) Natural gas distribution or storage facilities and associated equipment and activities serving the eligible community;(c) Petroleum product storage and handling facilities serving residential or community use.(d) Renewable energy facilities used for on-grid or off-grid electric power generation, water or space heating, or process heating and power for the eligible community;(e) Backup up or emergency power generation or energy storage equipment, including distributed generation, to serve the eligible community; and(f) Implementation of cost-effective energy efficiency, energy conservation measures that are part of the implementation of a coordinated demand management or energy conservation program for the eligible community, such as, for example, weatherization of residences and community facilities, or acquisition and installation of energy-efficient or energy saving appliances and devices.