The U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking applications from energy providers to lower costs for people in rural areas. The grants will help providers offset costs for people whose household energy expenses total 275% of the national average or higher. USDA is making the funding available through the Rural Utilities Service’s High Energy Cost Grant program. The program helps state and local governments, federally recognized Tribes and nonprofit agencies acquire, construct, extend, upgrade or otherwise improve energy generation, transmission or distribution facilities. Grants may also be used to install on-grid and off-grid renewable energy systems and to make energy efficiency improvements. In the event appropriations are enacted for this program, USDA expects to award up to $10 million for Fiscal Year 2025. Paper applications must be postmarked and mailed, shipped or sent overnight no later than 4:30 p.m. ET on February 28, 2025, to be eligible under this notice. Electronic applications must be submitted to Grants.gov no later than 11:59 p.m. ET on February 28, 2025.