SEP Operations Manual

This manual is a reference tool for the SEP network and DOE program officials and contains information needed to administer SEP. Download the SEP Operations Manual.

The State Energy Program (SEP) regularly releases documents to help state energy offices report and manage SEP program funding. This webpage provides a list of current and previous SEP guidance documents.

For more than 40 years, the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) State Energy Program has provided funding and technical assistance to states, U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia. State energy offices use SEP funds to develop state plans that advance energy solutions through regional networks, strategic energy planning, executive orders, legislation and local ordinances, management of local retrofits, and land-use plans.

SEP released the following guidance documents, listed chronologically below, that explain how states must report and manage SEP program funding. 

2024 Program Guidance

The PY 2024 SEP State Formula Allocations reflect PY23 formula allocations as SEP is currently operating under a Continuing Resolution (CR). Grantees should develop their State Plans using FY23 SEP allocations as a placeholder until DOE issues final FY24 allocations. Once a FY24 budget is passed and signed by the President, DOE will issue State Energy Program Notice 24-2, Program Year 2024 Grantee Allocations, and begin the budget modification process, if necessary.

2023 Program Guidance

SEP National Training Forum

In 2022, over 130 attendees shared their expertise and insight with peers on topics related to management and implementation of SEP funding. Download the presentations.

Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund Capitalization Grant Program

2022 SEP Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funding Guidance

2022 State Energy Security Plan Guidance

For more information and resources on State Energy Security Plans, visit the State Energy Security Plans webpage.

SEP State Energy Security Plan Administrative and Legal Requirements Document (ALRD)—Issued March 28, 2022. 

The purpose of this ALRD is to: 

  • Solicit applications for a portion of funding appropriated by Congress for State Energy Program formula awards in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) of 2021 to support completion of State Energy Security Plans. 
  • Alert states that all future distributions of financial assistance through the State Energy Program will require the submission to DOE of a State Energy Security Plan that meets the requirements set out by the IIJA.

2022 Program Guidance

2009-2020 Program Guidance

In some cases, DOE combined guidance documents for SEP and EECBG Program: