Empowering Energy Partnerships in Indiana Communities (EPIC)
- OED
- Grants and Funding Opportunities
- Current: Empowering Energy Partnerships in Indiana Communities (EPIC)
About the Program
The Empowering Energy Partnerships in Indiana Communities (EPIC) program is funded by Indiana's State Energy Program enhanced formula funds authorized by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The Indiana Office of Energy Development (OED) is making approximately $2.5 million available for community-based energy projects that support comprehensive and impactful solutions with a focus on development and enhancing broad partnerships. Proposals to the program must be able to define the community energy needs, solutions, and measurable outcomes within one or more of the following topic categories:
- Energy Efficiency
- Energy Security and Reliability
- Alternative Fueling and Charging Infrastructure
- Clean Energy Resources
There is no minimum or maximum award amount, but OED anticipates awards averaging $300,000 to $500,000 per awardee. Applicants must provide at least 20% match, and project lengths should aim to be three years or less.
Eligible entities for the EPIC program included local units of government, non-profit organizations, for-profit entities, and institutions of higher education. Entities that work throughout a community or region and can coordinate partnerships are strongly encouraged, such as local and regional economic development organizations, community foundations, and other organizations that participate in community development initiatives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), click here.
Press Release
For the program launch press release, click here.
City of Bloomington – Bloomington was awarded $508,068 in federal funding and will provide $213,316 in matching funds. Bloomington will transform the Buskirk-Chumley Theater in downtown Bloomington, Indiana, into a model of energy efficiency, sustainability, and resiliency through comprehensive upgrades to its mechanical systems and the installation of a state-of-the-art rooftop solar photovoltaic plus battery storage system. This initiative seeks to significantly reduce the theater's energy consumption and operating costs while minimizing its carbon footprint, thereby enhancing its environmental sustainability.
Terre Haute Regional Airport - Terre Haute Regional Airport was awarded $500,000 in federal funding and will provide up to $2,495,000 in matching funds. Terre Haute Regional Airport Authority will install a 1.27 MW ground mount solar photovoltaic array with pollinator habitat.
Fort Wayne City Utilities – Fort Wayne was awarded $596,346 in federal funding and will provide $119,557 in matching funds. The Sustainability Office of Fort Wayne City Utilities (CU) is seeking to increase energy security and reliability and reduce energy costs, diverting savings back into crucial resources for our community. Together with the YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne, the City has selected fire station 5 located on Lower Huntington Road, fire station 12 located at South Anthony Boulevard, and the YMCA located on Bowser Avenue to receive solar arrays. The Fort Wayne City Utilities will also install a battery energy system at the YMCA location. They will also host educational events in the community.
Contact us at grants@oed.in.gov.