"From the installation of demonstration solar PV projects at Clark County schools, to the development of educator training and expert consultation, we’ve found the BEF team to be reliable, responsible, and cost conscious."
Wayne Nelson, General Manager, Clark Public Utilities
"Through strong collaboration with BEF, Emerald People’s Utility District launched Sharing Sun, a first-of-its-kind community solar project in the northwest."
Kyle Roadman, Power Resources Manager, Emerald PUD
"The opportunity with BEF to demonstrate fuel cell electric vehicle technology has never been timelier."
Molly Simpson, Commission President, Douglas County PUD
"We deeply appreciate our partnership with BEF and the role they play in engaging electric utilities in clean transportation. BEF is proving the benefits of EVs for utility ratepayers, the environment, and the region's economy."
Jeff Allen, Executive Director, Forth
"We have a community solar project for a rural tribal community in the works! I have to say: without BEF we would not be in the process of bringing this project to life."
Jonnalea Tatsey, Manager of Member Services, Glacier Electric Cooperative
Expanding solar energy access to low-income and disadvantaged households. In partnership with communities.
BEF is honored to serve as the program administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency’s Solar for All (SFA) program in Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. We are also supporting Oregon Department of Energy’s community solar projects as part of the Oregon SFA Consortium.
Trusted community partnership is key to the success of this initiative and has been a cornerstone of BEF’s successes to date. We will expand and deepen our relationships with community organizations, leveraging our 25 years of experience leading equitable renewable energy programs in these states and beyond.
Program Strategy & States We Support
Financial Assistance
Technical Assistance
Community Engagement
Idaho
Montana
Wyoming
How We Help
Facilitate participatory governance to design, implement, and continuously improve the SFA program using a “do no harm” approach to ensure that Program participation does not result in increased costs or burdens to low-income households.
Increase solar access through financial and technical assistance within the guidance of the community governance structure and EPA’s program objectives and regulations.
Serve as program administrator for EPA funds for ID, MT, and WY.
Who the program serves:
The mission of the SFA Program is to expand economic and environmental benefits of solar to low-income, tribal, and disadvantaged communities as defined within the Inflation Reduction Act
Explore the Climate and Economic Justice map to review defined census tracks.
Participatory governance structure is critical to ensure responsiveness to stakeholder needs and interests; learn more in the Partners section below.
Program in Action – Preliminary Timeline
Based on preliminary guidance from EPA, BEF is planning against the high level timeline below. As more details are available, this section will expand.
- May 2024: EPA announced selected applicants.
- Thru August 2024: Revised program scope and budget with associated documentation negotiated with EPA. BEF community stakeholder and partner engagement will ramp-up during this period, including informational webinars (specific timing to be determined).
- September 2024: Programs in Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming to formally begin, including formation of Steering Committees in each state.
- Detailed program planning will occur with the Steering Committees and associated working groups beginning in Winter 2024 and running well into 2025. Programmatic implementation timelines will be determined as part of those planning efforts.