Powering Affordable Reliable Technology (PART) Energy Program
🏛 Rural Utilities Service
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Sep 12, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for rural utilities, electric cooperatives, and similar entities financing renewable energy projects or energy storage systems. Applicants must be eligible under Section 317 of the Rural Electrification Act and serve rural areas. Projects must involve renewable energy resource systems or energy storage supporting renewable projects.
The program finances up to 75% of project costs for most applicants, with a 25% cost-share requirement. Applicants in substantially underserved areas may qualify for 100% financing.
Letters of Interest are processed on a rolling basis. Project loans range from $1 million to $100 million. Approximately $410 million is available nationally.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
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Program description
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS or the Agency), a Rural Development (RD) Agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is soliciting Letters of Interest (LOI) for loan Applications, announcing the Application process for those loans, and providing deadlines for Applications from eligible entities under the Powering Affordable Reliable Technology (PART) Energy Program. These loan funds will be made to qualified PART Applicants to finance power generation Projects for Renewable Energy Resource (RER) systems or Energy Storage Systems (ESS) that support RER Projects. The PART Program is making approximately $410 million in appropriated budget authority (BA) funding available under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA). RUS will process and evaluate complete LOI on a rolling basis in the order they are received.
The PART Program is to be carried out by the RUS pursuant to Section 22001 of the IRA. Section 22001 of the IRA amends Section 9003 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 by adding new subsection (h). Section 22001 of the IRA provides RUS with appropriated funds “for the cost of loans under Section 317 of the RE Act.” Additionally, Section 22001 of the IRA provides that PART funds may be utilized to finance Projects that store electricity generated from eligible energy sources listed under Section 317 of the RE Act. These Project Loans or System Loans will be forgiven up to forty percent (40%), provided the Awardee and the Project otherwise meet the terms and conditions of the loan forgiveness. Approximately $410 million in budget authority is being made available under this Notice. The Administrator reserves the right to increase this funding level should additional funds become available or reduce funding in the event an insufficient number of high-quality projects are submitted for consideration.
Cost Sharing or Matching:
(a) Project Loans. Awards will finance up to 75% of the total capitalized costs of a Project. Awardees will be required to provide at least 25% of the Project’s total capitalized cost in the form of cash or equity investments, which may not be derived from debt instruments. However, the Agency may utilize its authority under Section 306F of the RE Act and finance up to 100% of the costs of the Projects benefiting SUTA areas.
(b) System Loans. PART System Loans may cover up to 100% of the total costs of the Project.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Letter of Interest (required before full application)
- Project description and engineering plans
- Financial projections and capitalization costs
- Cost-share documentation (proof of 25% funding source)
- Environmental assessment or NEPA documentation
- Organizational documentation (bylaws, articles of incorporation)
- Management capacity statement
Program contact
- 👤 RUS Electric Program Grantor
- 📧 SM.RD.RUS.PART-Questions@usda.gov
- 📞 (202) 690-4492
Funding track record
No recent recipient data available for CFDA 10.757 in our database.
This can happen for newer programs, programs that use non-standard award types (loans, direct payments, fellowships), or those funded through sub-agencies under different codes.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 10.757). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $609,597,796 | |
| 2025 | $890,947,939 | |
| 2026 est. | $1,190,018,290 |
FAQ
Who can apply for PART funding?
Rural utilities, electric cooperatives, and entities eligible under Section 317 of the Rural Electrification Act. Your project must serve rural areas and involve renewable energy or storage systems.
What is the deadline and application process?
The fixed deadline is May 3, 2027. Applicants submit Letters of Interest first. LOIs are reviewed rolling basis in the order received.
What types of projects are eligible?
Renewable energy resource systems (wind, solar, geothermal, etc.) and energy storage systems that support renewable projects. Projects must meet Rural Electrification Act requirements.
What is the cost-sharing requirement?
Most applicants must contribute 25% of total capitalized costs as cash or equity. Substantially underserved areas may be eligible for 100% financing instead.
What is the funding range?
Individual project loans typically range from $1 million to $100 million. Total program funding is approximately $410 million available.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Start with a strong Letter of Interest that clearly describes your renewable energy project, location, and community benefit. LOIs are reviewed rolling basis, so submit early.
- Document your 25% cost-share commitment clearly—show where cash or equity funding will come from. Debt instruments do not count.
- Emphasize rural community impact and how your project advances energy reliability and affordability in underserved areas.
- Gather detailed project financials, engineering plans, and environmental assessments before applying. RUS evaluates complete applications thoroughly.
- Check Section 317 of the Rural Electrification Act requirements carefully. Your entity and project must clearly meet eligibility criteria under that statute.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Submitting vague or incomplete Letters of Interest that lack specific project details, timelines, and financial projections. Using debt instruments to meet the 25% cost-share requirement when only cash or equity are allowed. Failing to demonstrate rural community benefit and project viability.
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