The Minnesota Department of Commerce (“Department”) seeks proposals from eligible applicants for microgrid demonstration projects at a community lifeline facility, community hub, or a group of such facilities to improve energy resilience in a disruptive event. The Department will consider applications for feasibility studies, new microgrids, improving or augmenting an existing microgrid, or upgrading an existing carbon-free power system to a microgrid, among others.
The Department proposes to use $714,500 of State Energy Program (SEP) funding to promote energy resilience at community lifeline(s) and/or community hubs. The Department expects to award approximately 4 - 6 grants, depending on the number and scope of applications that are submitted.
Community lifelines are fundamental services that are essential for human health and safety or economic security. Lifelines can include, and are not limited to, emergency services, emergency shelters, medical and care facilities, food suppliers, drinking water supply, and wastewater treatment systems.
Community hubs are local facilities that support residents and coordinate resources and services before, during, or after a disruptive event.
Eligible applicants include:
- Local units of government or taxing districts such as city offices, utility departments, park departments, emergency services, and joint powers as defined in Stat. 471.59 subd 1
- Regional Development Organizations as defined in Stat. 462.381-398
- Tribal governments and Tribal colleges
- Non-profit, public housing, and community-based organizations
- Eligible schools, including Independent and Special School Districts, Tribal contract schools, and Cooperative School Districts statewide.
The Request for Proposal may be downloaded at the Department's Request for Proposals (RFP) website (https://mn.gov/commerce/business/rfp.jsp).
Deadline for applications: Friday, October 17, 2025