Micro-grid and integrated micro-grid systems program

In this section: The term “integrated micro-grid system” means a micro-grid system that— The term “isolated community” means a community that is powered by a stand-alone electric generation and distribution system without the economic and reliability benefits of connection to a regional electric grid. The term “micro-grid system” means a localized grid that operates autonomously, regardless of whether the grid can operate in connection with another grid. The term “rural electric cooperative” means an electric cooperative (as defined in section 796 of title 16) that sells electric energy to persons in rural areas. The term “strategy” means the strategy developed pursuant to subsection (b)(2)(B). The Secretary of Energy (in this section referred to as the “Secretary”) shall establish a program to promote the development of— The program established under paragraph (1) shall— develop a feasibility assessment for— In developing the strategy under paragraph (2)(B), the Secretary shall consider— The program established under subsection (b)(1) shall be carried out in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, including, as appropriate— Not later than 180 days after December 27, 2020, and annually thereafter until calendar year 2029, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives a report on the efforts to implement the program established under subsection (b)(1) and the status of the strategy developed under subsection (b)(2)(B). Not later than 270 days after December 27, 2020, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives a report on the benefits of, and barriers to, implementing resilient micro-grid systems that are— designed to maximize the use of— The Secretary shall award grants of not more than $500,000 to not fewer than 20 municipal governments, rural electric cooperatives, or isolated communities, up to a total of $15,000,000, each year to assist those municipal governments, rural electric cooperatives, and isolated communities in overcoming the barriers identified in the report under paragraph (1).