Energy to Communities Program: Peer-Learning Cohorts
Energy to Communities (E2C) offers peer-learning cohorts to advance local energy goals. Peer-learning cohorts are funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and managed by NREL.
What Are E2C Peer-Learning Cohorts?
Peer-learning cohorts are multicommunity engagements that convene community entities around a common energy topic. Participants meet regularly for approximately 6 months to exchange strategies and best practices, learn in a collaborative environment, and workshop policy or program proposals, action plans, or strategies to overcome challenges.
In each cohort, experts provide up to 15 participants with case studies, analysis and modeling tools, templates, training materials, and facilitated collaboration to accelerate energy progress.
More than 200 community entities have participated in one of 15 cohorts.
Upcoming Peer-Learning Cohort Topics
The application period for the January 2025 peer-learning cohort cycle has closed. For email updates about upcoming E2C opportunities, complete and submit the sign-up form.
Stories and Lessons Learned
Reading, Pennsylvania, Finds Value of Energy Savings Performance Contracts Through E2C Program, NREL News (2024)
Coalitions Foster New Relationships To Facilitate Coordinated Transportation Efforts, Clean Cities and Communities News (2024)
U.S. Department of Energy Welcomes New Round of Innovative Leaders to Peer-Learning Cohorts on Emerging Energy Strategies, U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (2024)
Peer Learning Helps San Diego Center Community Voices in Energy Plans, NREL News (2024)
Joint Office of Energy and Transportation's Public Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Playbook, Joint Office of Energy and Transportation
Lessons Learned From the Peer-Learning Cohort on Planning and Funding for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Deployment, NREL Fact Sheet (2024)
Electric Vehicles Grow in the Desert: Peer Learning Helps Sedona Plan for Charging Infrastructure, NREL News (2024)
E2C Peer-Learning Cohorts Participants
For a list of current and past cohorts, visit the Current and Past Peer Learning Cohorts page.
Eligibility
Peer-learning cohorts are intended for participants that have decision-making power or influence in their community entities but need access to additional energy expertise to inform upcoming opportunities. Eligible primary applicants for cohort topics may include:
- Tribes, including Alaska Native Villages, Alaska Native Corporations, and state recognized Tribes
- City, town, or county (local) governments
- Metropolitan planning organizations
- Regional planning organizations
- Municipal and cooperative utilities
- Community-based organizations
- Other public entities, such as transit agencies, school districts, and housing authorities.
Contact
If you have questions about E2C Peer-Learning Cohorts, please email E2C.
Sign up for E2C email updates to be notified when program applications open.
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