Submission Window: May 5, 2026 – June 18, 2026 (3:00 PM ET)

Start the iCRS-T Voucher Opportunity Recipient Application (Submissions are due no later than June 18, 2026 at 3:00 PM ET)

The iCRS-T Voucher Opportunity for Providers launched on February 19, 2026. Please see the announcement article for more information.

The iCRS-T Voucher Opportunity for Recipients launched on May 5, 2026.

DOE will present and summarize the details of the Voucher Opportunity 11 - iCRS-T (Recipients). Potential applicants will gain a better understanding of the Voucher Opportunity's scope, scale, and intent, and have the opportunity to ask questions of DOE staff.

• Register for the Informational Webinar on May 14, 2026 from 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM ET
  
  • Focuses predominantly on explaining the Opportunity with some time for questions at the end.
• Register for the Informational Webinar on June 4, 2026 from 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM ET
  
  • Focuses predominantly on answering questions from potential applicants.

For an optimal experience, we recommend downloading the Microsoft Teams software to your computer, smartphone, or tablet.

The deadline to complete the Voucher Recipient application is June 18, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET.

Start Your Application

Voucher Recipient Timeline

Phase 1 – Voucher Recipient Project Submissions Open (May 5, 2026 – June 18, 2026): Interested potential Voucher Recipients should complete the application including background information on the Recipient and requested capability(ies) as well as relevance to program goals, applicability of the selected capabilities, and benefits from receiving support.

• The first Informational Webinar (IW) will be on May 14, 2026 at 3:00 PM ET (RSVP to Attend)‍
• The second Informational Webinar (IW) will be on June 4, 2026 at 3:00 PM ET (RSVP to Attend)

Phase 2 – DOE Selection and Matching (Summer 2026): DOE will review submissions based on relevance to the program objectives.

NOTE: DOE may choose to meet with submitters or ask additional clarifying questions prior to selection.

Meritorious applications will be matched to Voucher Provider capabilities.

Phase 3 – Project Execution (Summer 2026): Matched Provider-Recipient pairs will establish project agreements with EnergyWerx to define the scope of work, budget, timing, and outcomes.

Submission Window: May 5, 2026 – June 18, 2026 (3:00 PM ET)

Start the iCRS-T Voucher Opportunity Recipient Application (Submissions are due no later than June 18, 2026 at 3:00 PM ET)

Voucher Recipients (transmission providers): Public or private firms that provide transmission as planners, owners, or operators to the U.S. bulk power system. Voucher Recipients should be responsible for modeling, maintaining, and upgrading the transmission system and have a need to advance their capabilities to affordably and reliably interconnect additional large loads, generation resources, storage devices, or hybrid combination.

Voucher Recipients must qualify as a domestic entity. To qualify as a domestic entity, the entity must be organized, chartered, or incorporated (or otherwise formed) under the laws of a particular state or territory of the United States. The entity must have majority domestic ownership and control and have a physical place of business in the United States.  

Applicants must certify that they are not owned by, controlled by, or subject to the jurisdiction or direction of government of Country of Risk. The U.S. Department of Energy defines Country of Risk to include China, Russia, North Korea, Iran, and Belarus. This list is subject to change.

DOE retains the prerogative to require additional information from the applicants to verify the applicant meets the eligibility requirements and selection criteria. i2X may disqualify an application for any reason, including but not limited to if the applicant engages with the iCRS-T Program in a manner that, in the sole discretion of the i2X, is lacking in professionalism. This includes but is not limited to the application itself or emails to the Program staff.

The i2X team will review and evaluate each application according to the merit review criteria, program policy factors, and the overall portfolio of proposed projects.  In conducting the review, the teams may seek the advice of qualified non-federal personnel as reviewers. The applicant, by submitting its application, consents to the use of non-federal reviewers.  The weightings for each criterion are equal; however, a low score in any one criterion may disqualify the proposal.

Criteria 1: Scope and Feasibility

• Project scope aligns with available Provider capabilities
• The degree to which the application provides an effective explanation of how the selected capabilities will address interconnection challenges and reduce costs.
• Demonstration of a thorough understanding of existing interconnection practices, highlighting limitations and deficiencies.
• Explanation of how interconnection solutions align well with utility, regulatory commission and state priorities.
• Activities are specific and feasible to implement within the proposed timeframe with a commitment of the Recipient to implement cost effective solutions or attend training.

Criteria 2: Project Team and Cooperative Commitment

• The Recipient project team includes key personnel with expertise in transmission interconnection.
• The Recipient project team includes key personnel that can carry out beneficial cost reduction solutions or modify internal processes.
• Clear definition of the roles and responsibilities of each team member.
• Commitment to work cooperatively with the Voucher Provider.
• Commitment to provide necessary models and data to ensure project success.

Criteria 3: Project Impact

• The degree to which the application demonstrates the need for interconnection innovation and represents a notable advancement or innovation compared to existing processes, solutions, or practices typically deployed in industry and specifically deployed by the Recipient.
• The degree to which the application includes current interconnection challenges.
• The degree to which the application will reduce costs over the existing process and practices.
• The degree to which the application demonstrates that queue time will be decreased.
• Commitment to implement cost reduction solution(s), if any, subject to any required regulatory approvals.
• Commitment to collaborating with Voucher Provider to estimate savings resulting from cost reduction solution(s).
• Demonstration of a long-term interconnection process improvements beyond the funding period, if cost reduction solutions are shown to be beneficial.

Program Policy Factors

The i2X Program will apply the following program policy factors when reviewing and evaluating applications to select the most impactful projects aligning with national priorities:

• Alignment with i2X Program Objectives: The proposed project strongly aligns with the goals, priorities, and ongoing activities of the Interconnection Innovation e-Xchange (i2X) program. ‍
• Support for DOE Energy Goals: The proposed project advances key DOE energy goals related to grid modernization, streamlining of interconnection processes, and energy addition.  ‍
• Regional Impact & Replicability: The proposed project demonstrates potential for significant regional impact or the ability to be replicated in other regions facing similar interconnection challenges.

Geographic Diversity

The proposed project expands the geographic diversity of organizations and regions participating in DOE-supported interconnection initiatives.

Can Recipients submit multiple applications?

A Recipient may only submit one application, however they may request up to three capabilities.