Affordable and Clean Energy for Rural Enterprises (ACRE)

The State of Maine Department of Energy Resources is requesting applications for the Affordable and Clean Energy for Rural Enterprises (ACRE) program under RFA 202609150, with applications due November 3, 2026. Applicants must be small rural businesses organized under U.S. law with a business location in Maine and located in areas meeting the rural designation criteria specified in the RFA.

The RFA offers two tracks. The Technical Assistance Track provides energy audits, assessments, project scoping, and funding navigation support with awards of $5,000 to $10,000 per project and no cost-share requirement. The Implementation Track funds eligible equipment purchases and installation costs with awards of $10,000 to $100,000 per project and a mandatory 20% cost-share requirement. Qualifying technologies include renewable energy systems (solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, hydroelectric), energy storage and grid modernization systems, energy efficiency improvements, and alternative transportation solutions. Applications must address current energy challenges and demonstrate meaningful reductions in annual energy costs, stabilized energy expenses, reduced emissions, and reduced overall operating costs.

The Department anticipates distributing approximately $950,000 in total grant funds across multiple awards, with a goal of supporting at least 10 projects. The anticipated contract period runs from December 1, 2026, through November 30, 2028. Personnel costs, indirect costs, and administrative costs are non-allowable.

Evaluation uses a 100-point scoring system: organization qualifications and experience (20 points), proposed project design and outcomes (55 points), and budget (25 points). Awarded applicants must establish and track performance metrics, participate in grant orientation, submit quarterly narrative and financial reports due 30 days after quarter end, and provide at least one success story for state publication. Questions are due October 20, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. local time, with responses published in the Vendor Self Service System no later than seven calendar days before the application deadline. The RFA Coordinator is Kristine McCallister.