Electric Grid Upgrade Program 2 (EGUP-2)
The Electric Grid Upgrade Program (EGUP-2) provides competitive grants for Maine-based electric grid upgrades that support business growth, economic development, and quality job creation.
Purpose
The 2021 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) provided Maine with a significant amount of discretionary funding to assist businesses and organizations in recovering from the impacts of the pandemic. In July 2021, the Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan was passed by the Maine State Legislature which allocated these ARPA dollars to a wide range of programs and industries across the state. The legislature allocated $8M to support improved electricity grid access that will support economic recovery and growth for businesses, with a focus on rural economic development projects and heritage industry projects in food processing, forestry, and manufacturing. In 2024, the Governor’s Energy Office (GEO) deployed the first $1.5M of these funds to provide technical assistance planning grants to communities throughout the state. In partnership with GEO and Maine’s Department of Economic & Community Development (DECD), MTI is now launching the second tranche of the Electric Grid Upgrade Program (EGUP-2) to fund projects for businesses presently engaged in the permitting process to build out and/or improve electric grid infrastructure required for their proposed growth plans. With EGUP 1 and 2, MTI expects to award approximately $6.5M for the highest-scoring applicants to utilize in 2024 and beyond.
EGUP’s purpose is to support electric grid upgrades for Maine-based business operations. Organizations not headquartered in Maine are eligible to apply; however, all grant funds must go toward Maine-based projects that directly benefit businesses in Maine. Applicants must demonstrate how their project will create significant economic impact and create quality jobs for Maine residents. Additional consideration will be given to applicants from rural communities most acutely affected by the negative economic impacts of the COVID pandemic. Applicants must demonstrate significant progress already made with required permitting processes.
All awarded EGUP-2 grant funds must be expended by November 30, 2026. MTI reserves the right to make awards less than the amount requested by applicants. MTI reserves the right to tranche out award funds over time based on project performance.
EGUP is a competitive application process that requires matching co-investments on behalf of applicants. Awards will be made to a subset of the highest-scoring applications that demonstrate satisfactory adherence to the program mission. MTI has allocated a total of $6.5M for both EGUP1 and 2, and MTI anticipates individual awards will not exceed $4M.
Goorma ayay Codsiyada dhacayaan?
The EGUP-2 online application portal opened on October 19th, 2026 and will close at 5PM October 29, 2026
Yaa Codsan Kara?
Am I Eligible for EGUP-2 Funding?
Your organization may be considered eligible for EGUP-2 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-2 funds before November 30, 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 ama halkan ku dhufo.
Sida loo Codsado
Follow the steps below to apply.
Step 1: Download Application File
To provide all the information requested, download the Codsiga Dukumeentiga Word, answer all the questions, then save the file.
Step 2: Prepare Application Files for Upload
Before you access MTI’s Online Application Portal, you will need to compile 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 2024 & 2025, YTD 2026
- 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, visit the FAQs.
- Signed and dated Agreement to comply with all federal and state funding requirements – access the Agreement here.
Step 3: Submit Your Electronic Documents as an Email Attachment
Submit your electronic documents as an email attachment to [email protected]. 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 as an email with attachments to the email address shown above.
Intee in le'eg oo maalgelin ah ayaan codsan karaa?
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 November 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. Awards will only be given to valid projects that, in the opinion of 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 completed projects..
Kharashyada la soo jeediyay waxaa ku jiri kara laakiin aan ku xaddidnayn:
- Business-related equipment purchases (capital or expense).
- Kharashyada mushaar bixinta iyo kharashyada shaqaalaysiinta hadda jira ama kuwa cusub.
- 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.
Ku xidh MTI
Hagitaan dheeri ah fadlan noogu soo dir emailka [email protected]. We attempt to respond to all emails within 24 hours.
Maxaa dhacaya markaan codsado ka dib?
MTI anticipates announcing the EGUP 2 award decisions in early November 2026 and will notify all applicants via the email address provided with each online application.
If your company is selected for an EGUP-2 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-2 funds will become available to awardees immediately after award contracts have been executed.
Electric Grid Upgrade Program (EGUP-2) FAQs
What are the eligibility requirements in order to receive funding?
- You have made significant progress obtaining all requisite permitting, including engagement with local electricity provider(s) or contractors to execute the proposed grid upgrades.
- You can demonstrate significant cash investments to match requested EGUP-2 funding on a schedule that is acceptable to MTI.
- All requested EGUP funds will be expended before November 30, 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 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. More information about UEID numbers can be found in the following FAQs, or halkan ku dhufo.
Intee in le'eg oo maalgelin ah ayaa la heli karaa iyo goorma abaal-marinayaashu filan karaan maalgelin?
- MTI expects that approximately $6.5M in funding will be available for EGUP 1 and 2. The maximum grant award will not exceed $4M. MTI reserves the right to change this amount based on the number and the quality of the applications. MTI reserves the right to withhold some funding if the projects/applications submitted do not meet minimum scoring levels.
MTI expects that approximately $6.5M in funding will be available for EGUP 1 and 2. The maximum grant award will not exceed $4M. MTI reserves the right to change this amount based on the number and the quality of the applications. MTI reserves the right to withhold some funding if the projects/applications submitted do not meet minimum scoring levels.
How will the applications be evaluated and scored?
Each application will be evaluated and scored by a panel of experts which will include staff and consultants with relevant experience. All reviewers sign confidentiality agreements and non-disclosure agreements and will not be conflicted on any application that they review and score. MTI will manage the process and host the application and review process. All correspondence and updates will come directly from the MTI Team.
How long must an organization have been in existence to be eligible?
An eligible organization must be able to meet the other eligibility criteria and have a project that mitigates damage due to the pandemic (capacity increases, FTE increases, etc) for damages incurred during the period from March 3, 2021 through December 31, 2024 as long as the award funds for the obligations incurred by December 31, 2024 are expended by November 2026.
Abaalmarinnada MTI ka hor miyay saamaynaysaa u-qalmitaanka?
This program is a stand-alone initiative and prior MTI award(s) or declinations will not impact eligibility for EGUP funding.
How much detail should I include in my EGUP application?
The purpose of this funding is to support electricity grid upgrades in Maine. The plan you submit with your application should provide details of how the funds will be used to achieve those goals, and the positive impact it will make on your business and the community in Maine.
If I have Excel spreadsheets, PowerPoint decks and Word documents already created to support my project/plan, can they be uploaded to the MTI portal as part of my application?
If plans have already been created using Word, Excel, or PowerPoint, those files can be included and referenced in your Application Word document responses. Simply attach the files to the email used to submit the aspplication.
What is the deadline for the application?
The deadline for submitting MTI’s EGUP-2 applications is 5PM October 29, 2026
Waa maxay shuruudaha warbixinta ee MTI?
This program is supported by federal government funds and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Maine has specific reporting requirements back to the federal government on a quarterly basis regarding how the funds were used and the status of the projects. We need the cooperation of the applicant to get this data for our reports. We anticipate a brief survey will be sent to each awardee asking for updates on the project each year for 5 years We expect these will be fairly simple online surveys that can be completed in 5-10 minutes. The economic impact surveys we have developed for the other ARPA programs we managed were very short and generated outstanding compliance. Failure to comply with reporting requirements will be considered a breach of contract and may result in forfeiting the award grant.
Ma u baahanahay inaan heshiis la galo MTI haddii aan helo abaal-marin?
Yes
Intee in le'eg ayay MTI siin doontaa codsadayaasha mustaqbalka leh ee horumarinaya soo jeedintooda?
We have created an email which will be monitored by MTI staff to answer questions regarding EGUP. We hope to answer all questions within one business day. That email address is: [email protected]. Please use this email if you have any questions or issues with submitting an application.
What are some examples of allowable expenses as it relates to capital and expense, depreciation, and gains and losses on disposed equipment?
The federal government has provided guidelines for the use of the funds for all ARPA programs. Those guidelines can be found on the following links for Equipment and capital expenditures, depreciation and disposal.
- Federal Register Vol. 87, No. 18, page 4389 – 4393. (2022-00292.pdf (govinfo.gov))
- 2CFR200.439 Equipment and other capital expenditures (eCFR :: 2 CFR 200.439 — Equipment and other capital expenditures.)
- 2CFR200.436 Depreciation (eCFR :: 2 CFR 200.436 — Depreciation.)
- 2CFR200.443 Gains and losses on disposition of depreciable assets (eCFR :: 2 CFR 200.443 — Gains and losses on disposition of depreciable assets.)
What are some examples of ineligible expenses?
Funds must be used to implement your plan and directly address negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. Types of expenses which would NOT be allowed include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Madadaalo
- Ololeyn
- Alaabooyinka iyo Adeegyada Isticmaalka Shakhsi ahaaneed
- Dacwad
- Ganaax, Ganaaxyo, Waxyeelooyin iyo Degsiimo kale
Shirkadaha leh joogitaanka Maine ee muhiimka ah, laakiin lahaanshaha ka baxsan gobolka, ma u qalmi doonaan?
Companies that have a project/program which meets the program objectives and are within Maine heritage industries or manufacturing are welcome to apply for funding. However, it is expected that the project will be implemented in Maine and that the company will build a significant presence in the state as the program is implemented and commercialized. A company which is headquartered outside of Maine must be registered to be eligible to do business in the state through the Secretary of State’s Office.
Sideen ku helaa ama ku helaa nambarkayga Aqoonsiga Gaarka ah (UEID) oo ma jiraan wax kharash ah oo igu kacaya si aan u helo lambarka UEID?
On April 4, 2022, the unique entity identifier used across the federal government changed from the DUNS Number to the Unique Entity ID number generated by SAM.gov. The Unique Entity ID (UEID) number is required and free to obtain. We will need to report all awards to the federal government and include the UEID number for that account.
- Lambarka Aqoonsiga Hay'adda Gaarka ah waa 12-xaraf aqoonsiga alifnumeric oo loo xilsaaray hay'ad SAM.gov.
- As part of this transition, the DUNS Number has been removed from SAM.gov.
- Diiwaangelinta hay'adda, raadinta, iyo gelida xogta ee SAM.gov hadda waxay u baahan tahay isticmaalka lambarka aqoonsiga Hay'adda Gaarka ah.
- Hay'adaha diiwaangashan ee jira waxay heli karaan lambarkooda aqoonsiga Hay'adda Gaarka ah iyagoo raacaya tillaabooyinka halkan.
- Hay'adaha cusub waxay ka heli karaan lambarka aqoonsiga Hay'adda Gaarka ah ee SAM.gov iyo, haddii loo baahdo, buuxi goobta diiwaangelinta.
- The SAM.gov website has a video and a list of FAQs. (Videos can be found halfway down the SAM.gov bogga.)
- Please note – the registration process allows you to obtain just a Unique Entity ID (UEID) number or also to register your business so that you can bid on government contracts. The video indicates that you need to register your entity to get federal awards. The award you are applying for through EGUP is NOT a direct federal award. Unless you plan to bid on government contracts most applicants for the EGUP program only need to sign up for the UEID number. (Easier and faster.)
- If you have attempted to register your UEID number with SAM.gov but have received a message stating your request requires further review, you can still proceed with MTI’s online application for EGUP. However, please note that we cannot make any award payment if the UEID number has not been given to the organization from SAM.gov.