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Office of Indian Energy News
March 31, 2026
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Welcome to the monthly Office of Indian Energy newsletter! In each issue, we share the latest Tribal energy news, funding, events, and opportunities. |
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$50 Million Funding Opportunity Announced to Advance Affordable, Reliable, and Secure Energy for Tribes
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On March 25, 2026, at the Reservation Economic Summit, Office of Indian Energy Director Eric Mahroum announced a $50 million notice of funding opportunity aimed at fostering affordable, reliable, and secure energy solutions in Indian Country. The opportunity is designed to support Tribal-led community-scale energy project planning and development and large-scale energy project planning and underscores the fundamental role of energy in strengthening Tribal economies.
To learn more about this funding opportunity, including cost share requirements, eligibility, application and proposal guidelines, and other information, visit our website.
Interested Applicants can register for an informational webinar on April 9, 2026 to learn more.
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DOE Announces 20 Indian Country Energy and Infrastructure Working Group Members
On Tuesday, March 10, 2026, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Indian Energy held the first Indian Country Energy and Infrastructure Working Group (ICEIWG) meeting under Director Mahroum’s leadership. Currently consisting of 20 new and returning members, ICEIWG brings together leaders from Tribal Nations to provide crucial insights into the experiences, obstacles, and opportunities in energy and related infrastructure development, deployment, and capacity building challenges and opportunities facing Indian Country.
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Learn more about Office of Indian Energy Director Eric Mahroum’s priorities
- Increase affordable, reliable, and secure electricity for all Tribes
- Facilitate public-private partnerships to unleash American energy across Indian Country
- Strengthen outreach and communications with all Tribes, inclusive of all energy resource priorities
- Invest in the Tribal energy workforce to build the pipeline for the next generation of energy leaders
“Under President Trump and Secretary Wright’s leadership, the Office of Indian Energy is building on 20 years of investment to advance affordable, reliable, and secure energy. This time, we’re moving with urgency to accelerate progress.”
– Eric Mahroum, Director, Office of Indian Energy
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Office of Indian Energy Appoints New Chief of Staff
Earlier this month, Joe Alexander was appointed as Chief of Staff to the Office of Indian Energy. In this role, Joe provides tactical guidance and supports strategic direction. Prior to joining the Office of Indian Energy, Joe served as the chief of staff in the Grid Deployment Office and as a senior advisor in the Office of Electricity.
Read Joe’s full bio.
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Beyond Land Leases: Harnessing Data Centers for Tribal Economic Development
Read the fact sheet on the opportunities and benefits Tribes can reap when partnering with a data center, as well as important considerations.
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Join Our Upcoming Webinar: Microgrids and Distribution Infrastructure
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Register today to join our upcoming webinar on Microgrids and Distribution Infrastructure. In this May 14 webinar, participants will discover how microgrid projects are revolutionizing energy independence in three Tribal communities by showcasing advanced grid expansion and local power generation solutions that electrify essential buildings and significantly reduce costs. Learn how these initiatives are enhancing resource security and fostering economic growth for remote communities!
This webinar is the next in our 2026 Tribal Energy Webinar Series.
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Open Funding and Technical Assistance Opportunities
The following opportunities are available to federally recognized Indian Tribes, Alaska Native corporations, intertribal organizations (including Tribal consortia), Tribal energy development organizations, and Tribal colleges and universities. We encourage interested Tribes to confirm the program availability, eligibility, and resources shared as follows by reaching out to the points of contact directly.
View the full list of funding and technical assistance opportunities on the Office of Indian Energy website.
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SPARK (Office of Electricity, DOE) |
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Upcoming Events and Webinars |
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April 9, 2026 | 3 – 4 p.m. ET/11 a.m. – 12 p.m. AKT
This informational webinar will provide an overview of the DOE Office of Indian Energy $50 million notice of funding opportunity, Unleashing Tribal Energy Development. This funding opportunity aims to foster affordable, reliable, and secure energy solutions in Indian Country. This funding opportunity supports Tribal-led community-scale energy project planning and development, and large-scale energy project planning.
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May 14, 2026 | 3 – 4:30 p.m. ET/11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. AKT
Discover how microgrid projects are revolutionizing energy independence in three Tribal communities by showcasing advanced grid expansion and local power generation solutions that electrify essential buildings and significantly reduce costs. Learn how these initiatives are enhancing resource security and fostering economic growth for remote communities.
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Beyond Land Leases: Harnessing Data Centers for Tribal Economic Development |
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Successful Power Project Development Best Practices |
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🔥Trending on Social Media
Interact with the Office of Indian Energy on social media. Follow us on LinkedIn, X, and Facebook.
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Director Mahroum Speaks at USET Impact Week
At the USET Sovereignty Protection Fund Impact Week, Office of Indian Energy Director Eric Mahroum highlighted the urgency of advancing Tribal energy projects and reaffirmed the Office’s commitment to supporting Tribal Nations. Building on two decades of investment, he emphasized a renewed focus on accelerating progress to deliver affordable, reliable, and secure energy in partnership with Tribes.
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