When Are Applications Due?
The EGUP online application portal opened on September 19, 2023 and will close at 11:59 PM on Tuesday, October 24, 2023.
Who Should Apply?
Am I Eligible for EGUP Funding?
Your organization may be considered eligible for EGUP grant funding if:
- You have made significant progress obtaining all requisite permitting, including engagement with local electricity provider(s) and contractors to execute the proposed grid upgrades.
- You can demonstrate significant cash investments to match requested EGUP funding.
- You will expend your requested EGUP funds before March 31, 2026. Acceptable uses for the funding can be found in the FAQs below.
- You can demonstrate the resources and expertise required to successfully implement the proposed project and a track record of success with similar projects.
- You are able and willing to comply with MTI’s semi-annual reporting requirements.
- Your business is in good standing with all relevant Federal and State agencies.
- Your organization has a Unique Entity Identification (UEID) number. For more information about UEID numbers and how to obtain one for free, see our FAQs or click here.
How Much Funding Can I Request?
MTI expects that the maximum individual award will not exceed $4M. However, MTI reserves the right to adjust the maximum award amount based on the quality and quantity of applications submitted. MTI reserves the right to tranche out award funds over time, based on project performance. Multi-year projects will be considered, although federal ARPA requirements stipulate that all EGUP funds need to be fully deployed and used by March 2026.
EGUP awards are grant funds that must be applied to electric grid upgrades, line extensions or electric storage devices within Maine. The grant funds are subject to audit and are generally considered to be reportable income. Therefore, any awarded funds should be included with reportable income when you file your organization’s tax returns for the year in which the grant was received.
PLEASE NOTE: Award size is subject to change based on the number of valid applications received and the scoring of those applications. We do not expect manyvalid applications will receive awards —awards will only be given to valid projects that, in the opinionof the review committee, best achieve the objectives of the program.
What Projects are Eligible for EGUP Funds?
Funds must be used to implement the proposed project identified in your application Word document. EGUP projects must focus on upgrades to electricity grids that will enable business growth and quality job creation for Mainers.
Funds should be directed toward development efforts that have not yet been completed — these funds are not meant to serve as reimbursement for prior expenditures.
Suggested expenses may include but are not limited to:
- Business-related equipment purchases (capital or expense).
- Payroll costs and expenses for existing or new hires.
- Design expense and labor expense associated with management of the project.
- Other operating expenses directly associated with the proposed upgrades.
These funds must be applied to electricity grid upgrades within Maine.
How Do I Apply For EGUP Funding?
MTI’s EGUP application process has 3 steps.
Step 1: Complete the Application Word document
Use the Application Word Document to provide all the information requested. Download the Application Word Document, answer all the questions, then save the file.
If you cannot access the Application Word Document, here is a PDF version of the Application Document. You can complete your responses in your preferred file format, to be uploaded into the Online Application Portal.
You must also compile electronic files for all the required documents in our checklist below in Step 2.
Step 2: Application Checklist – Electronic Files for Upload
Before you access MTI’s Online Application Portal, you will need the following electronic documents ready for upload:
- Completed Application Word Document (from Step 1)
- Signed and dated W-9 Form (Access a blank W-9 Form HERE)
- Current Balance Sheet
- Income Statement (or Profit and Loss Statement) for 2021 & 2022, YTD 2023
- The federal government requires companies doing business with the government or receiving grants to have a Unique Entity ID (UEID) number. To learn more about a UEID number and how to obtain one at no cost, click here.
- Signed and dated Agreement to comply with all federal and state funding requirements – access the Agreement here.
Step 3: Submit your electronic documents online
Once you have completed your Application Word Document and compiled all required electronic documents in the checklist above in Step 2, you must submit your application information through MTI’s online application portal, which requires you create an MTI online account with a valid email address.
This is the final step of the MTI application process. MTI’s online application portal contains a number of data fields that will require you to enter specific information regarding your organization and your proposed project/plan. The online application portal will also prompt you to upload each of the required electronic files noted above in the Step 2 application checklist.
We estimate that you will need at least 30-60 minutes to complete the online application forms, enter all required data, upload all required electronic files, sign the electronic disclosures, review your online form and complete your online application submission.
You can save an incomplete online application form and return to complete it later; however, you must return to complete your online application before the deadline. Incomplete applications will not be considered. MTI recommends completing the online application in one sitting, after you have compiled all required items noted above.
What If I Need Help With My Application?
MTI offers a number of resources to assist you with the application process.
Frequently Asked Questions
For answers to questions others have asked, click here to find our FAQs.
Language Selection
You can switch the language of this page by clicking the flag in the bottom right.
Zoom Meetings
MTI will host two Zoom sessions to answer specific questions about the EGUP application. Click here to access the Zoom session schedule.
Connect with MTI
For further guidance please email us at [email protected]. We attempt to respond to all emails within 24 hours.
What Happens After I Apply?
You should receive a confirmation email shortly after your application has been submitted.
If you receive an email notifying you that your application has been saved, it does not mean your application was submitted. Saving your application allows you to return to it later if you need to make changes. However, saving is not the same as submitting.
To complete your online application please be sure to click the Submit Button after all the steps have been completed in the online portal.
After the application deadline, your application will be evaluated by a group of industry and grant experts that will score each proposal. MTI staff may contact applicants via email for additional data or clarification. The total amount of the award is dependent on the total number of applications we receive and the aggregate scoring from all the reviewers. Scoring will be weighted in favor of the strength of project, the long-term economic impact potential, and the performance track record of the applicant.
MTI anticipates announcing the EGUP award decisions in December 2023 and will notify all applicants via the email address provided with each online application.
If your company is selected for an EGUP award, MTI will verify that we have all the documentation needed to comply with state and federal guidelines. MTI will work with your company to draft an award contract that outlines a payment schedule and all Federal and State funding requirements. We expect that EGUP funds will become available to awardees in 2024, after award contracts have been executed and initial reporting requirements satisfied.
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