The funding environment for renewable microgrids is changing dramatically due to various shifts from the new federal administration including the One Big Beautiful Bill. While much attention has been put on racing to take advantage of current incentives and the mid-term elections of 2026, far less conversation has been about concrete microgrid development solutions that non-federal actors can lead.

The Civil Society Institute and partners are developing an innovative model that will continue and build upon existing momentum throughout the US. The model is being used for projects in Massachusetts, Georgia, and other states with key groups including faith-based leaders, organized labor, and others.
 

While the funding landscape in the US is changing, the appetite from community leaders for cost effective, resilient, and renewable energy systems is greater than ever.

This session will discuss the key challenges that community leaders face as they aim to deploy renewable energy microgrids, including how the environment has changed with the new administration. This session also will explore the different projects that are under way including key learnings on business models, project finance, partnership strategies, and utility engagement.