The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently revealed that two awardees will manage the SolSmart expansion.
SolSmart helps communities increase solar deployment and clean energy accessibility, according to a DOE news release.
“SolSmart has helped hundreds of local governments make it easier and more affordable to go solar, and I am thrilled to see the program take root in Puerto Rico, where solar power’s climate resilience adds enormous benefit for the grid,” Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm said in the news release. “The Biden-Harris administration is committed to supporting local governments transitioning and expanding access to clean energy like solar power, particularly in underserved communities.”
DOE officials revealed that over 60 new communities have joined SolSmart, including five communities in Puerto Rico.
The SolSmart expansion is part of an effort for the United States to meet Pres. Joe Biden’s target of an equitable and clean electric grid by the year 2035.
A $10 million award will be divided between the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) and the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) to further grow SolSmart throughout the next five years, the news release noted. The organizations will focus on rural low- and moderate-income communities.
