Bill > S1258

This bill, the Local Energy Supply and Resiliency Act of 2015, aims to bolster local energy capabilities by establishing a distributed energy loan program and a technical assistance and grant program, both overseen by the Secretary of Energy. The bill defines "distributed energy" broadly to include systems that produce energy close to where it's used, often from renewable sources or waste heat, and encompasses technologies like combined heat and power systems, microgrids (which can operate independently from the main grid, a concept known as "islanding"), and energy storage. The loan program will provide funding to eligible entities, such as states, tribal organizations, educational institutions, and electric utilities, for projects that enhance energy security and resilience, increase the use of local renewable and waste heat sources, improve microgrid feasibility, manage peak loads, and boost rural energy reliability. The technical assistance and grant program will offer guidance and financial support to help entities identify, evaluate, plan, and design these distributed energy systems, with a focus on projects that promote renewable energy, strengthen grid resilience, improve microgrid capabilities, minimize environmental impact, and create local jobs.