The American Public Power Association’s DEED — Demonstration of Energy & Efficiency Developments — program supports public power research and development through project grants and scholarships.
Grant and scholarship applications are open to DEED member organizations. DEED members may review all their benefits here.
All public power utilities, joint action agencies, state and regional associations, and federal service contractors that are members of the American Public Power Association are eligible to join DEED.
Grants help to fund innovative ventures that can improve efficiency, reduce costs, support adoption of new technologies, launch new products and services, and institute best practices to better serve public power customers. See examples of DEED-funded projects.
Scholarships are awarded through utilities or directly to students. The scholarships nurture utility workforce development and introduce students to careers in public power.
Grants
DEED grants — typically $25,000-$50,000 but up to $125,000 — support pilot projects, new technology demonstrations, early commercialization projects, and development of best practices. Funded initiatives can center on energy efficiency, environment, reliability, safety, security, telecommunications and other electric utility issues.
There are two application deadlines each year: February 15 and August 15. The online application is open at least two months before each deadline. The 12-member DEED board meets in April/May and November/December to vote on applications. Applicants are notified of the board’s decision by email within ten business days of the board meeting. This process usually takes two to three months from the application deadline.
Learn more about grants for utilities and how to apply.
Scholarships
Four types of scholarships are offered — educational scholarships, student research grants, student internships, and technical design projects.
DEED Members – your utility may apply for an internship to fund a student to carry out an energy research project or work at your utility. If approved, you must recruit a student for the internship. Your utility may also sponsor a student who has applied directly to DEED and needs a DEED member utility to sponsor their scholarship application.
Students – high school seniors through graduate students — accepted or enrolled full-time in technical/trade schools or accredited colleges and universities are eligible to apply for all scholarships. If you are considering a future career as a public power lineworker, please select the educational scholarship option for financial assistance with your lineworker schooling and training.
There are two application deadlines each year: February 15 and October 15. The online application is open at least two months before each deadline. The 12-member DEED board meets in April/May and November/December to vote on applications. Applicants are notified of the board’s decision by email within ten business days of the board meeting. This process usually takes two to three months from the application deadline.
Learn more about scholarships and how to apply.
Learn more about careers in the energy industry and STEM skills.
More Funding Opportunities
In addition to DEED funding, members may wish to explore federal funding opportunities for public power. Our site offers a convenient one-stop roundup of the funding opportunities made available through the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Learn more.
