Regional Energy Hubs Act of 2026

This bill amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to create a program for financial assistance to States and Indian Tribes to establish and maintain regional energy hubs. These hubs aim to increase awareness of and access to energy and energy efficiency programs, improving energy affordability.

Sec. 2, Regional energy hubs: The Secretary of Energy must provide financial assistance to a State with an approved energy conservation plan or an Indian Tribe upon request. The State or Tribe designates one or more energy hubs to serve a specific geographic region, ensuring equitable access for disadvantaged and underserved rural communities.

Each energy hub must support region-specific efforts to improve energy affordability, resilience, and security; provide outreach and education on energy programs; engage with rural individuals, low- and moderate-income individuals, small businesses, and others; analyze barriers to accessing programs; coordinate with local entities; address affordability challenges by supporting participation in assistance programs; connect community members with energy professionals; support access to nonenergy building rehabilitation resources; and coordinate with workforce development organizations.

Each energy hub must consist of partner organizations with relevant expertise and existing relationships. A community-based organization located within the region must lead the hub, coordinating partners, providing administrative capacity, and meeting reporting requirements.

Each year, the lead organization must submit a report to the Secretary and the State or Tribe on the hub's activities, including partnerships, outreach, workforce development, participation in affordability programs, and a regional assessment of needs and barriers.

The Secretary must establish a Regional Energy Hub Advisory Committee with States, Tribes, hubs, and stakeholders to provide technical assistance and best practices.

The Secretary must coordinate with other Federal agencies, and each State or Tribe must coordinate between hubs and relevant state or local programs. The Secretary must advise hubs on braiding funding from various sources.

Funding must be allocated to States according to the existing formula for State energy conservation plans, with at least 5% set aside for Indian Tribes.

Definitions are provided for 'community-based organization' and 'Indian Tribe'.

Authorization of appropriations: $50,000,000 is authorized for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to carry out this section.