The proposed cahuilla reservation energy resources study project will assess energy resource potential and establish feasible options to serve the tribes goals and objectives for the site

The Cahuilla Band of Indians received a $100,000 Project Grant from the Department of the Interior's Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development under the Minerals and Mining on Indian Lands program (CFDA 15.038) on September 22, 2025. The award funds a comprehensive energy resources study to assess renewable and conventional energy development potential on the Cahuilla Reservation and establish feasible options aligned with the tribe's governance and sustainability objectives. The study will evaluate the technical, economic, financial, and legal feasibility of developing an integrated resilient energy microgrid capable of autonomous operation during utility service interruptions, interconnected with the Anza Electric Cooperative to serve the planned Cahuilla Tribal Administration Resilience Campus.

The deliverables support infrastructure development for a new tribal campus comprising four new buildings (administration headquarters, sports center, cultural museum, and solid waste transfer station), expanded water systems, and wastewater treatment facilities. The resilient energy systems are designed to ensure continued availability of critical emergency services and safe community sheltering during extreme weather and wildfire events, thereby strengthening tribal sovereignty and community resilience. The project is scheduled for completion by September 21, 2027, and represents strategic federal investment in tribal energy independence and emergency preparedness capabilities.

In addition to assessing energy resource development potential and options, the proposed project will study the technical, economic, financial, and legal feasibility of installing an integrated resilient energy microgrid, interconnected with the anza electric cooperative and capable of autonomous operation during interruptions in utility service for site loads. The resources and systems are required to serve the planned cahuilla tribal administration resilience campus, a new tribal construction project that the cahuilla band of indians has planned to serve as a comprehensive hub for governance, cultural resource preservation, recreation, public works, and emergency preparedness for the cahuilla band of indians and the surrounding community. The campus will include four (4) new buildings (administration headquarters, sports center, cultural museum, and solid waste transfer station) two (2) existing buildings (cahuilla public works building and baseball field snack bar and sanitary facilities) expanded fresh water pumping and water storage capacity (in addition to existing capacity at the site) and a new wastewater treatment facility serving the campus. The interior department awarded a category 1 planning grant to the cahuilla band for the campus development project.resilient energy systems to serve the campus will ensure continued availability of vital emergency services during extreme weather and wildfire events, including essential public safety services and safe sheltering spaces for the tribal community and surrounding residents. The proposed systems are intended to strengthen tribal sovereignty, promote community sustainability, and ensure the tribes ability to withstand and recover from emergency events. The proposed cahuilla reservation energy resources study project will assess available energy resource options to establish the most reliable, economical, and feasible sources of power for the campus. Notably the cahuilla reservation depends entirely on electricity from anza electric cooperative. No natural gas utility service is available. Preliminary site evaluation shows substantial solar irradiance and wind energy resources, as well as available land for energy resource development in close proximity to site electric loads. Project scope is detailed below, addressing tasks required to achieve three primary objectives: 1) feasibility study 2) preliminary design and planning and 3) project administration and management. The cahuilla band requests $100,000 in emdp funding for the cahuilla reservation energy resources study project.