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SSVEC REST Renewable Energy Grant Program

The SSVEC REST Grant Program provides funding to eligible nonprofit organizations, schools, municipalities, fire districts, and other qualifying public-serving organizations for renewable energy projects that benefit our local communities. By helping fund projects such as solar energy systems, battery storage, and other renewable energy initiatives, these grants help reduce energy costs, improve energy resilience, and support the long-term sustainability of the communities SSVEC serves.

What is REST?

REST or Renewable Energy Surcharge Tariff was established by the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) in 2006 to encourage the development of renewable energy throughout Arizona. Under the program, electric utilities collected a small surcharge on members' electric bills based on the amount of electricity they used. Those funds were dedicated exclusively to supporting renewable energy programs and projects approved by the Commission. 


Today, while the REST program itself has ended, SSVEC continues to steward the remaining REST funds in accordance with ACC requirements. This program ensures that the remaining REST funds continue to provide lasting value by investing in projects that benefit the people and communities where the funds were originally collected.

Learn More

REST at a Glance

  Established: 2006 by the Arizona Corporation Commission 

  • Funding Source: A small renewable energy surcharge collected on electric bills based on energy usage 
  • Purpose: To support renewable energy development and programs throughout Arizona 
  • Today: Remaining REST funds are being reinvested into our communities through the SSVEC Renewable Energy Grant Program 
  • Grant Goal: Help eligible organizations complete renewable energy projects that reduce energy costs, improve resilience, and provide lasting community benefits. 

Empowering Local Communities

Mission

Mission

Mission

  

To support local communities by ensuring solar grant funds are awarded through a fair, transparent, and community-focused review process that benefits our service territory.

Purpose

Mission

Mission

  

 Help eligible organizations complete renewable energy projects that reduce energy costs, improve resilience, and provide lasting community benefits.

Join Our Solar Grant Committee!

Interested in Renewable ENERGY & Helping YOUR Community?

SSVEC is currently seeking members in the community  

to sit on the grant committee board, to award renewable energy grants to applicants within SSVEC service territories.


Committee Expectations

  • Serve as one of 7 representatives from throughout the service territory.
  • Participate in virtual meetings via Microsoft Teams or Zoom.
  • Review committee materials and expectations prior to each meeting.
  • Work collaboratively to evaluate applications and make funding recommendations.


Interested in Serving?

To apply, please submit the following by November 1 to restgrants@ssvec.com:

  • A current résumé
  • A brief statement describing:
    • Why you would like to serve on the committee
    • How you are involved in your community


Application Deadline: November 1, 2026


For more information, email restgrants@ssvec.com

Overview of Grant Administration

Program Objectives and Funding

Eligible Applicants and Project Types

Eligible Applicants and Project Types

Program objectives include:


  1. Increasing deployment of renewable energy resources within SSVEC’s service territory 
  2. Reducing long-term energy costs for participating organizations and communities 
  3. Enhancing community resilience through distributed energy resources and battery storage 
  4. Supporting economic development and local investment 
  5. Encouraging equitable access to renewable energy opportunities 
  6. Advancing environmental sustainability and energy reliability


SSVEC proposes to allocate approximately $2.5 million in REST funds toward renewable energy grant awards under this plan.


Grant awards may fully or partially fund eligible projects depending upon project scope, available funding, demonstrated need, and anticipated community benefit at committee’s discretion.

Eligible Applicants and Project Types

Eligible Applicants and Project Types

Eligible Applicants and Project Types

Eligible applicants shall include commercial members of SSVEC in good standing for a minimum of five (5) consecutive years, including:

  • Non-profit organizations with high member impact 
  • Municipalities
  • Towns 
  • Fire districts
  • Educational institutions
  • Public service organizations 


Applicants must demonstrate that proposed projects provide measurable public or community benefit.


Eligible renewable energy projects may include, but are not limited to:

  • Rooftop solar photovoltaic systems
  • Solar and battery storage systems
  • Renewable energy systems serving critical facilities
  • Single-load commercial or industrial renewable energy applications
  • Other renewable energy technologies approved by SSVEC consistent with REST program objectives

For more details on project types and requirements, visit the grant application information below and the Grant Administration page.

Grant Application - Downloadable

Application coming soon, requirements for applicants will include, at minimum:


  1. Organizational background and mission
  2. Detailed project description and scope
  3. Community impact statement 
  4. Project budget and funding request 
  5. Evidence of site control or project authorization 
  6. Three (3) contractor quotes from appropriately licensed or registered contractors
  7. Maintenance and sustainability plan
  8. Estimated renewable energy production or savings 
  9. Letters of support or partnership agreements, if applicable 
  10. Proposed project implementation timeline


Incomplete applications may be rejected or returned for clarification at SSVEC’s discretion.


Approximate Timeline  

  • Notification of grant availability to members: Sep 1 – Dec 31, 2026
  • Committee applications due: Nov 1, 2026
  • Applications accepted: Jan 1-Mar 1. All materials due no later than March 1, 2027
  • Review: Mar -Jun 2027
  • Awards: Jul 1, 2027

Files coming soon.

Contact Us

For more information or questions regarding this program, please contact restgrants@ssvec.com or fill out the form below.

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Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative

311 E Wilcox Dr, Sierra Vista, AZ, USA

restgrants@ssvec.com

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