The Shinnecock Indian Nation would like to engage the services of an energy specialist to develop a plan for energy sovereignty by 2032. The Nation would like to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels by increasing the use of renewable energy sources such as solar. Meeting sustainable and renewable energy goals as well as providing workforce training and support for our community is a key factor in our planning moving forward.
The Iowa Tribe Housing Authority is proposing to apply for the Tribal Energy Plan Grant for energy resilience planning for the 46 residential LMI units owned by the housing authority. This project will be a part of the larger scale Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska Energy Resiliency MicroGrid Project and both entities will collaborate during the planning stages with the FEMA BRIC program, GRID Alternatives, and the Department of Energy-Office of Indian Energy LEAP programs, all of who have committed to the comprehensive project.
The Tule River Indian Tribe will provide an alternative energy supply in support of existing and new tribal commercial and industrial development. This project will install a new solar array on our existing businesses including a gas station, convenience store, tribal procurement office and warehouse and planned new commercial development that will include a new grocery store, motel, urgent care facility, sporting goods outlet, office complex and future industrial facilities. The existing and planned operations will provide retail options and jobs to our under-served reservation and and unincorporated mountain community residents.
UTTC proposes to work in collaboration with its long-time Native owned partner, educator, and solar power service provider, Lightspring Solar(website: lightspring.io), to establish a campus-wide energy assessment for future solar power and other alternative energy source expansion. By using the expertise of Lightspring Solar’s services, a first-ever, campus-wide plan can be generated that clearly address the current energy needs of UTTC’s 100+ buildings and residential housing units. This information can then be analyzed and outlined for future alternative energy development and focus in on priority projects, to ultimately create a long-term 5-10 year plan. As the long-term plan is complete, UTTC will be in a ‘shove ready’ position to apply for additional funding support from groups such as the Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund (TSAF), The United States Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation. UTTC’s vision is to become a leading institution of alternative energy production and to carry it a step further, by becoming a role-model and educator for other Tribal and non-tribal universities and college in the region.
Although Los Coyotes and its Tribal neighbors in Northern San Diego County are situated in close proximity to two of the state’s most powerful economic hubs, all have members who do not have access to the electric grid. Given the exorbitant cost of building electrical infrastructure in tribal communities, it is unlikely that these residences will ever be connected to the grid. Additionally, those who are connected to the grid face the highest electricity rates of any service territory in the state, and are in constant danger of having their power shut off during extreme weather conditions made possible by worsening climate change. For all those reasons and more, Los Coyotes is interested in planning and constructing a micro grid to power central community buildings as well as its campground facilities, which provide a source of revenue for the tribe. Funds are needed to finance land surveys and professional services to identify best practices and successfully integrate them with the needs and wishes of the Tribe.
Tamaya Housing Inc. (THI) would like to develop and identify a pathway to clean solar energy. THI will develop an energy plan to explore solar power project to meet community need and explore workforce development and energy cost reduction from future solar opportunities that come from the energy plan. THI currently operates NAHASDA low-income homes, as well as in development of two LMI homeownership communities to serve Pueblo families. The energy plan will provide THI the opportunity to work towards decreasing utility expenses and consumption for families already impoverished. Lastly, THI and the Santa Ana Pueblo anticipates leveraging the Department of Energy Tribal Program, FEMA BRIC, and state level programs for community wide investment toward a comprehensive solar plan.
