Virginia Energy Opens Applications for CORE Subaward Program to Boost Community Resilience (including battery storage and mobile backup)

January 6, 2026
Proposals Are Due by February 17, 2026
On Monday, Virginia Energy announced the opening of applications for the new Community-Oriented Resilient Energy (CORE) Subaward Program, which will fund local projects that strengthen community energy resilience while advancing the Commonwealth’s clean energy goals.

The CORE Subaward Program supports community-based energy resilience projects that can keep critical facilities and services operating during grid disruptions.

“The CORE program represents a powerful opportunity to invest in community energy hubs across Virginia,” said Glenn Davis, Director of the Virginia Department of Energy. “By working with local partners, we can reduce energy costs, strengthen critical infrastructure and, in turn, strengthen our communities.”

Subawards are funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act State Energy Program and administered by the Virginia State Energy Office within the Virginia Department of Energy.
Eligible applicants include local governments and non-profits capable of developing and operating community resilience projects that serve residents during emergencies. Projects can include solar, battery storage, mobile backup technologies, and other resilient technologies that provide hours or days of grid independence for critical community sites.

“The focus of CORE is on practical, community-driven solutions that deliver reliable power when residents need it most,” said Vince Maiden, Managing Director of the Virginia State Energy Office. “From solar-plus-storage at community centers to mobile resources that can be deployed during storms, this program is designed to support innovative models that can be replicated across the Commonwealth.”

Applicants must submit proposals through the Virginia Energy Grant Portal using the CORE application format. Proposals are due by February 17, 2026. Only complete applications submitted by the deadline will be considered.

Applicants may submit questions through the Grant Portal help feature. Responses will be provided within five business days, with the final day to submit questions on February 10, 2026. For more information about the CORE program and other grants and programs, visit the Virginia Department of Energy website.  

Program Contact:Callie Houghland, Associate Director of Distributed Generation Solutions Callie.houghland@energy.virginia.gov
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