Department of Commerce Offers Energy Upgrade Grants for Schools

Funding available for audits, efficiency upgrades, and education to reduce strain on state energy grid.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 1:55pm

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The North Dakota Department of Commerce is providing grants to school districts for energy system upgrades, including funding for energy audits, efficiency improvements, and educational outreach. The State Energy Program, Energy Efficiency Community Block Grant, and Energy Conservation Grant are all supporting these efforts to reduce the burden on the state's energy infrastructure.

Why it matters

As energy costs and demand continue to rise, these grants aim to help schools across North Dakota become more energy efficient, lowering their operating costs and environmental impact while also easing the strain on the state's overall energy grid.

The details

The Department of Commerce's energy efficiency program manager stated that the goal of these grant programs is to reduce the toll on the state energy grid. Schools can use the funding for comprehensive energy audits, efficiency upgrades to their facilities, and educational initiatives to promote energy conservation among students and staff. A separate low-interest loan program is also available to businesses seeking to make similar improvements.

  • The grant programs were announced on January 27, 2026.

The players

North Dakota Department of Commerce

The state agency overseeing the energy efficiency grant programs for schools and businesses.

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The takeaway

These energy efficiency grants provide a valuable opportunity for North Dakota schools to upgrade aging infrastructure, reduce operating costs, and contribute to the state's overall energy sustainability efforts.