Critical infrastructure and microgrid program

(a) Definitions In this section: (1) Critical facility (A) In general The term critical facility means a facility that provides services or may be used— (i) to save lives; (ii) to protect property, public health, and public safety; or (iii) to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe. (B) Inclusions The term critical facility includes— (i) a hospital; (ii) an outpatient clinic; (iii) a nursing home; (iv) a police station; (v) an emergency operation center; (vi) a jail or prison; (vii) a fire station; (viii) a facility in the communications sector, as determined by the Secretary; (ix) a facility in the chemical sector, as determined by the Secretary; (x) a school or other large building that may serve as a temporary gathering space; (xi) a utility station, such as a water station, wastewater station, community water system, or irrigation works; (xii) a facility described in subparagraph (A) that is owned or operated by, or provides services to, an Indian Tribe (as defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304)); (xiii) a Federal facility, including a military base or installation; and (xiv) any other facility described in subparagraph (A), as determined by the Secretary. (2) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of Energy. (b) Critical infrastructure and microgrid program (1) In general The Secretary shall establish a program— (A) to improve the energy resilience and power needs of critical facilities through the development and use of microgrids, renewable energy, energy efficiency, reduced electricity demand, and on-site storage; (B) to improve the energy efficiency of critical facilities by decreasing the size and cost of generators; (C) to provide technical assistance and facilitate the distribution and sharing of information to develop more resilient electricity systems (including bulk systems and localized systems); and (D) to promulgate consumer-facing information and resources to inform the public on best practices and resources related to increasing resilience of electricity systems and reducing the impacts of extreme weather events on electricity systems. (2) Requirements In carrying out the program established under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall ensure, with respect to critical facilities— (A) provision of on-site back-up power with renewable resources, low-carbon liquid fuels, and on-site energy storage technologies; and (B) installation, at the transmission and distribution level, of interoperable technologies, advanced power flow control, dynamic line rating, topology optimization, and communications systems. (3) Interested party input In establishing the program under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall seek the input of State energy regulators, electric utilities (as defined in section 3 of the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 796)), regional transmission organizations and independent system operators, electric utility customers and ratepayer organizations, local governments, community choice aggregators or regional energy collaboratives, and other interested parties. (c) Authorization of appropriations (1) In general There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary $100,000,000 to carry out this section, to remain available until expended. (2) Administrative costs Of the amount used to carry out this section, not more than 10 percent shall be used for salaries and expenses, administrative management, and oversight of the program established under subsection (b)(1).