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Office of Indian Energy News
July 30, 2026
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Welcome to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs (IE) monthly newsletter! In each issue, we share the latest Tribal energy news, funding, events, and opportunities. |
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Celebrating Office Mid-Year Accomplishments
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IE is pleased to share its 2026 mid-year accomplishments update, highlighting activities, milestones, and collaborations to continue advancing Tribal energy development, strengthening partnerships, and expanding opportunities across Indian Country. |
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DOE Office of Electricity Publishes 2026 Draft National Transmission Needs Study To Strengthen America's Grid—Tribal Webinar Aug. 11
DOE recently released a draft of the 2026 National Transmission Needs Study (Needs Study) and opened a 60-day public comment period. The Needs Study report shows that there is a pressing need for additional electric transmission infrastructure due to load growth from data centers, expanding domestic manufacturing, large industrial loads, and a growing economy.
DOE is hosting a webinar specifically geared to Tribal organizations on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026, from 1 to 2 p.m. ET. Registration is required.
The Needs Study identifies key national needs that can inform investments and planning decisions. DOE is inviting feedback on this draft report from local communities, Tribal Nations, states, and regional reliability entities, as well as the general public, by opening a public comment period and hosting in-person roundtables in the summer of 2026 across the country. DOE will review comments received and incorporate them into the final study as appropriate. Direct public feedback is critical to bridge the gap between DOE’s analytical research and the dynamic, localized energy demands currently shaping the nation’s grid.
Comments on this draft study are due Sept. 7, 2026.
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Up to $218.5 Million in Grants Available Through Tribal Home Energy Rebate Program
DOE recently released updated program guidance for the High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate (HEEHR) Program for Indian Tribes, which will distribute up to $218.5 million in grants for energy efficiency upgrades for Tribal homes. All federally recognized Tribes and Alaska Native corporations are eligible to receive formula awards from the program. Tribes can find their formula award amounts in this funding allocations document. The extended deadline to apply for funding from the program is Dec. 11, 2026.
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Open Funding, Technical Assistance, and Other Opportunities |
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Accepting Applications, Ongoing |
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Notice of Funding Opportunity |
Sept. 8, 2026,
at 5 p.m. ET |
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Upcoming Events and Webinars |
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Aug. 13, 2026 | 3–4 p.m. ET/11 a.m.–12 p.m. Alaska Daylight Time
The webinar will provide Tribes with an overview of civilian nuclear energy technologies, uses, and the opportunities and considerations they present for Tribal communities. Participants will gain foundational knowledge of nuclear energy, emerging technologies such as small modular and microreactors, and DOE support. The webinar will feature speakers from IE, the DOE Office of Nuclear Energy, and the U.S. Department of Commerce Commercial Law Development Program.
Sept. 10, 2026 | 3–4:30 p.m. ET/11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Alaska Daylight Time
Explore how Tribal communities are integrating energy efficiency measures into new and existing buildings to achieve cost and energy savings. Hear directly from two Tribes that have successfully implemented these kinds of measures across multiple facilities, gaining insights from their experiences and lessons learned. This webinar will cover various types of energy efficiency measures, aiding in the evaluation of their potential suitability for your Tribe's facilities.
Oct. 15, 2026 | 3–4:30 p.m. ET/11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Alaska Daylight Time
This webinar will focus on ways Tribes have overcome critical issues by integrating flexibility, planning, and education into their DOE projects. From complex supply chain and contractor landscapes to intuitive project management structure, these Tribes have expanded their capacity to ensure successful project results.
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Recent Webinar Materials
Did you miss any of our recent webinars? View recordings and presentation materials from past webinars.
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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.
Office of Indian Energy Director Eric Mahroum participated in the From Vision to Viability: Funding and Financial Strategy in Indian Country panel at the Sovereignty Symposium in Oklahoma City.
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