​On May 18, 2022, NRECA filed comments with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in response to its Request for Information (RFI) on Energy Improvements at Public School Facilities, which will inform program development for this new program funded by the bipartisan infrastructure law (Sec. 40541). The program provides $500 million over five years for projects that provide energy efficiency, renewables, EV charging infrastructure, or purchase of alternative fueled vehicles at schools.

In our comments, NRECA highlighted the following points:

• Electric cooperatives have valuable experience and insights from partnering with school districts on transitioning to zero emission buses and can play an important education and outreach role in DOE's grant program.
• Electric cooperatives recommend provisions that will help ensure this DOE grant program will serve the needs of rural and underserved communities, such as requiring a reasonable cost share, encouraging early utility coordination, and establishing a simple uniform application process, among others.