Office of State and Community Energy Programs

At the US Department of Energy’s Office of State and Community Energy Programs, we support a wide range of stakeholders by investing in place-based strategies that accelerate the development of innovative energy technologies to bolster communities, create jobs, save money, and strengthen energy independence and resiliency. SCEP empowers states, local governments, Tribal Nations, nonprofit organizations, public schools, community partners and more to build local capacity to deliver the tangible benefits of sustainable energy to their communities. SCEP’s investments include formula grants, competitive grants, vouchers, awards, prizes, and technical assistance to help communities achieve their energy goals. SCEP acts as a partner by putting states and local communities in charge of their energy future while also providing resources and tools to support a sustainable future for all Americans. Our goal is to ensure that every American can participate in and benefit from innovative energy solutions. **Saving Energy and Money for American Homes, Communities, Businesses, and Industries** The Office of State and Community Energy Programs (SCEP) works with state, local, and Tribal governments, nonprofit organizations, schools, and community partners to provide technical assistance and invest in place-based clean energy projects that aim to catalyze local economic development and create jobs, reduce energy costs, and avoid pollution. Foundational programs like the Weatherization Assistance Program and State Energy Program, which both have more than 40 years of successfully delivering energy savings across the country, will complement newly formed programs such as the Local Government Energy Program and Energy Futures Grants, enabling the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to work for the first time ever, with local governments and communities for the long term. Through the disbursement of formula grants, DOE will extend the core capabilities of state energy offices and expand the weatherization provider network to assist low-income families with home energy retrofits. Competitive awards will further the innovation by states and local governments seeking to implement high-impact and self-sustaining clean energy projects. In addition, technical assistance will help to facilitate clean energy programs and practices through "best practice" tools, "lead-by-example" methods, peer-to-peer forums, and other strategic partnerships.