For many months IAMU has been talking about the BIL (aka the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, aka the IIJA, aka the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act) and the incredible amount of money (in the form of federal grants and incentives) up for grabs. When asked, “what can we do to prepare” our messaging has been “hurry up and wait,” except for the few programs that have already opened for applications.  Well, today there are a few things you can do to prepare for the IIJA funding - The American Public Power Association has put together an excellent checklist for utilities wishing to receive IIJA funding. This checklist also applies to many of the provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

Download the checklist here.

A Note on Nomenclature: Whenever the government comes out with a spending bill that then becomes a law, there are many different names they call the legislation. Politically convenient labels on legislation are nothing new - for example, in 2009 there was the “American Recover and Reinvestment Act of 2009” which was also called “The Recovery Act” “Recovery Law” “ARRA” “The Stimulus Package” “Stimulus” etcetera, etcetera. This time around we have similar confusions with the BIL. “IIJA” is the same thing as the “Inflation Reduction Act” which is the same thing as the “BIL” which is the same thing as the “Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.” A separate piece of legislation which will impact utilities is the “Inflation Reduction Act” or “IRA.”

The BIL is an enormous law with many provisions. You very likely have questions – don’t hesitate to reach out to Jeff Gorrie – jgorrie@iamu.org.

Fall is almost here and that means Public Power Week and Public Natural Gas Week are just around the corner. Each is celebrated the first week of October (October 2-8). Plan now so you won’t be scrambling in a month.

Public power utilities across the United States celebrate Public Power Week to help customers and stakeholders understand how they can better engage with their community-owned utility and benefit from all its offerings. American Public Power Association (APPA) member utilities can use the sample resources and templates to spread the word and help celebrate in your communities.

Public Natural Gas Week is a nationwide observance that offers the perfect opportunity for natural gas utilities to show their systems and generate enthusiasm about the benefits of public natural gas.

American Public Gas Association (APGA) has developed sample materials to help APGA members celebrate the week in their communities.