Hydroelectric Efficiency Improvement Incentives

The objective of the WaterSMART Enhancing Water Resources Projects funding opportunity is to invite eligible entities to apply for funding to implement projects per the authorizing language referenced above that benefit water resource management for multiple uses, including water conservation and efficiency projects, water infrastructure improvements, and river and watershed restoration. Projects that balance numerous community interests (agriculture, recreation, fisheries, power, etc.), were developed collaboratively, and provide significant watershed benefits will be prioritized under this funding opportunity. This program demonstrably advances Trump administration priorities, such as those identified in Presidential Executive Order 14154 (January 20, 2025): Unleashing American Energy (E.O. 14154) and Secretarial Order 3418, and aligns with other priorities and requirements, such as those identified in Presidential Executive Order 14332 (August 7, 2025): Improving Oversight in Federal Grantmaking (E.O. 14332). Funding Opportunity Number: R26AS00017. Assistance Listing: 15.507. Funding Instrument: CA,G. Category: NR. Award Amount: $50K – $3M per award.

Hydroelectric Incentives is a funding program from the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Electricity providing over $750 million to support existing hydroelectric and pumped storage hydropower facilities across the United States. The program includes three tracks: Section 242 Hydroelectric Production Incentive Program, Section 243 Hydroelectric Efficiency Improvement Incentives Program, and Section 247 Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity Incentives. Hydropower accounts for 5.7 percent of U.S. electricity and 27 percent of renewable generation, and the program aims to prevent loss of aging capacity. Eligible applicants are nonprofit organizations operating qualified hydroelectric facilities. Award amounts and deadlines vary by section and funding cycle.