The pyramid lake paiute tribe (the tribe) is seeking grant funding to assess the feasibility of establishing a tribal utility authority (TUA)

The Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe was awarded a $199,872 Tribal Energy Development Capacity (TEDC) Grant from the U.S. Department of the Interior's Bureau of Indian Affairs on May 2, 2025. The grant funding will support the tribe in assessing the feasibility of establishing a Tribal Utility Authority (TUA). Key project elements include conducting a current state analysis, developing a vision and roadmap for the TUA, creating a business plan, and generating a final report. The project aims to help the tribe manage microgrids, photovoltaic systems, and telecommunications infrastructure, reduce energy costs, and address climate change goals. The TEDC Grant program provides funding to federally recognized tribal governments to develop their technical, managerial, and organizational capabilities for energy resource development on tribal lands.

Project elements tedc grant funds will support the tribe in pursuing these main tasks: current state analysis developing a vision for the TUA developing a TUA roadmap and business plan generating a final report. Project need the tribe is working on developing plans, through multiple feasibility studies listed in section 1.5, to harden critical infrastructure and develop solar solutions including a large photovoltaic facility and microgrids for the three communities located on the reservation. The development of a tribal utility authority will help create structure to manage microgrids, photovoltaic systems, work with the existing utility provider, allow for EV charging stations, manage the telecommunications necessary for energy management, as well as reduce the tribes carbon footprint. Project objectives assess the feasibility of developing a TUA identify requirements to sell power directly to businesses and residents on and off reservation identify employment opportunities and stimulate economic activity reduce energy costs address the climate change goals of council. Anticipated outcomes final report and presentation an actionable roadmap to develop a TUA development of codes, regulations, and ordinances financial guidelines and procedures needed to operationalize a TUA. Funding request the tribe is requesting tedc grant funds in the amount of $199,872.