§15891 Projects Enhancing Insular Energy Independence

Summary

The Secretary must study energy projects that come from plans sent to Congress if those projects could cut an island area's need for imported fossil fuels or add needed local power. An electric utility in an insular area can ask for a study if it agrees to pay at least 10% of the study cost. If the utility is in the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, or the Republic of Palau, the request needs written support from that country’s President or Ambassador. The Secretary will work with regional utility groups when doing studies and deciding if a project is workable. A project is workable if it would greatly cut fuel imports or give needed local power at a reasonable cost. If the Secretary and the Secretary of the Interior decide a project is workable and a utility promises to run and maintain it, the Secretary can give technical help and money to build it, often through regional utility groups. Congress may fund up to $500,000 per year for studies and $4,000,000 per year for building projects. No single insular area may get more than 20% of the funds available in any 3-year period unless the Secretary finds a good reason to give more.