S. 2185: Energy Circuit Riders Act of 2025

This bill, known as the Energy Circuit Riders Act of 2025, aims to establish a program that provides technical assistance to rural communities in order to support energy efficiency and clean energy projects. Here are the key components of the bill:

Objectives of the Program

The Energy Circuit Rider Program is designed to:

• Assist rural areas with energy planning and efficiency projects.
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions through enhanced energy practices.

Eligible Entities

The program will provide support to a variety of organizations defined as "eligible entities," which include:

• States
• Indian Tribes
• Nonprofit organizations
• Cooperative extension services
• Institutions of higher education
• Regional planning commissions or public entities serving multiple rural areas

Energy Circuit Riders

An "Energy Circuit Rider" is a professional who will provide assistance in:

• Energy planning
• Conducting energy audits
• Identifying federal, state, and local funding opportunities
• Coordinating incentives
• Project financing
• Grant writing
• Building community capacity around clean energy

Grants and Funding

The Secretary of Agriculture will be responsible for establishing and administering the program by providing grants with the following key aspects:

• Grants will fund the hiring and training of Energy Circuit Riders.
• Eligible entities can apply for grants, which will cover up to 75% of the project costs.
• Grants will have a term length of 3 to 6 years, determined by the Secretary.
• Priority will be given to applications supported by the relevant State rural development office.

Assistance to Rural Areas

Energy Circuit Riders funded through the program will:

• Provide support to at least two rural areas per eligible entity.
• Offer technical assistance for applying to broader funding opportunities related to rural energy initiatives.

Information Sharing

The Secretary will ensure the sharing of best practices and information among Energy Circuit Riders, which may include:

• Consultations with various federal agencies to disseminate information on available incentives for energy projects.

Accountability and Reporting

The Secretary will submit annual reports to Congress outlining the achievements of the Program, including metrics such as:

• Energy savings achieved
• Financial savings for participating communities
• Reductions in carbon emissions

Funding Authorization

The bill authorizes appropriation of $25 million annually for the fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to support the Energy Circuit Rider Program.

Relevant Companies

None found