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119-hr-10469119th CongressWALLET

Regional Energy Hubs Act of 2026

Sponsored By: Representative Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20]

Introduced

Summary

This bill creates a federal program that funds State- and Tribal-designated regional energy hubs to expand energy affordability and access to energy efficiency programs. It emphasizes equitable outreach, interagency coordination, and local, community-led management.

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  • Families and low- and moderate-income households: Hubs run outreach and help people access LIHEAP, the Weatherization Assistance Program, Inflation Reduction Act programs, utility rebates, and financing to lower energy bills and make homes more efficient.
  • States and Indian Tribes: States or Tribes can request federal grants to designate one or more hubs for specific regions. Funding distribution follows State energy plan formulas and not less than 5 percent of annual amounts must go to Indian Tribes.
  • Community organizations, local businesses, and workers: Hubs are led by community-based organizations and require partner networks in energy, housing, workforce, utilities, and education. They connect residents to energy assessments, installations, non-energy building rehabilitation like lead and mold abatement, and workforce training and apprenticeships.

*Authorizes $50 million per year for FY2027–FY2031 to fund regional energy hubs, which would increase federal spending over that period.*

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Grants to fund regional energy hubs

The bill would create a federal grant program to fund State- and Tribal-designated regional energy hubs. It would authorize $50 million per year for FY2027 through FY2031 (about $250 million total). The Secretary would only make grants to States with approved State energy conservation plans or to Indian Tribes that request help. At least 5% of each year’s funding would be set aside for Indian Tribes. States and Tribes would designate hubs for sub-State or Tribal regions and must aim to reach disadvantaged and underserved rural communities.

Local hub leadership and duties

The bill would require each hub to be led by a community-based organization in the region. The lead group would coordinate local partners, run hub operations, and collect and submit annual reports to the Secretary and the State or Tribe. Hubs would work to increase participation in LIHEAP, the Weatherization Assistance Program, and related Inflation Reduction Act programs. They would also help connect people to local energy professionals, support non-energy building rehab (like lead and mold abatement), and coordinate workforce training and apprenticeships.

Federal agency coordination for hubs

The bill would require the Secretary to coordinate with Federal agencies that run related programs, including Agriculture, HUD, EPA, HHS, Commerce, Labor, Treasury, and the SBA. The Secretary would advise hubs on combining Federal and non-Federal funding and try to reduce barriers to braiding funds. This would aim to help hubs leverage more resources for local energy and housing work.

Regional energy hub advisory committee

The bill would require the Secretary to set up a Regional Energy Hub Advisory Committee. The committee would include States, Indian Tribes, energy hubs, and other stakeholders. It would develop best practices, tools, standards, and educational resources to help hubs run and learn from each other.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20]

NY • D

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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