NC S714

Establishes the Energy Resilient Communities Fund within the State Energy Office to provide grants to North Carolina local governments for clean energy projects, energy efficiency, and renewable energy initiatives.

Authorizes three types of grants: technical assistance for resilience planning and microgrid assessment (up to $50,000), community outreach and planning (up to $25,000), and development and construction of clean energy microgrids supporting critical infrastructure (up to $150,000).

Prioritizes grant awards to environmental justice communities, projects involving community solar facilities, microgrids reducing greenhouse gas emissions or energy cost burdens, and projects utilizing small businesses or nonprofits owned by women or minorities from environmental justice communities.

Requires local governments to provide matching funds on a 1:3 basis (one non-State dollar for every three State dollars), with in-kind assistance permitted.

Appropriates $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2023-2024 and $3,000,000 for fiscal year 2024-2025, effective July 1, 2023; requires annual reporting to the Joint Legislative Commission on Energy Policy by September 1.