Community Microgrid Assistance Partnership

NREL facilitates microgrid development assistance to improve remote communities' and Tribes' energy affordability and energy security.

With support from the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Electricity, NREL provides management and coordination for the Community Microgrid Assistance Partnership (C-MAP). Through C-MAP, remote communities and Tribes can receive assistance to design, develop, repair, revitalize, or improve isolated microgrid systems.

Strategic microgrid operations, controls, and technologies can enhance electricity reliability and security, particularly at the edge of the central grid or entirely off-grid systems.

Building Microgrid Success and Knowledge

C-MAP brings together individuals and organizations to exchange, compile, and share microgrid knowledge. The partnership connects communities seeking technical support with organizations that assist in the development of microgrid systems—fostering solutions that improve resilience, reduce energy costs, and support greater energy independence. Built for long-term operation, the microgrids developed with C-MAP will demonstrate technologies that can be replicated nationwide.

Pilot Cohort Selected

Announced in June 2025, the C-MAP pilot cohort has 14 projects spanning 35 towns and villages, and 20 partners including business and nonprofits, Alaska Native Corporations, a labor union, and power providers such as utilities and energy cooperatives.

Read summaries of the selected projects.

Contact

The Office of Electricity leads C-MAP with management and coordination support provided by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Learn more on the Community Microgrid Assistance Partnership website.

Email C-MAP for questions about this opportunity.