Resilient Energy Funding and Modernization

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Army is turning energy savings into investments in readiness, installation modernization, and Soldiers’ quality of life through its Resilient Energy Funding for Readiness and Modernization (REFoRM) initiative.

Since its pilot year, the REFoRM program has captured over $393.4 million across its Installation and Operational Energy portfolios. In fiscal year 2026, the seventh year of operating the program, the Army collected and returned $78.1 million in validated energy savings to fund 204 installation and operational energy projects—supporting critical initiatives like Black Start Exercises, increasing the lethality and capability of combat systems, or strengthening energy resilience in extreme environments in support of Arctic Dominance.

“REFoRM is about turning savings into strength. Every dollar we save through energy efficiency creates an opportunity to reinvest in our installations, improve quality of life for our Soldiers and families, and strengthen Army readiness,” said Jordan Gillis, assistant secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy and Environment. “It’s a smart, sustainable approach to modernization that makes the most of the resources entrusted to us.”

Although 10 U.S. Code 2912 initially authorized the Army to transfer validated energy cost savings generated at Army installations, prior to expiration, into “no-year” accounts, the current authorization allows for an additional year of availability for the captured funds, expiring 30 September. The program acted on the ASA IE&E’s priority to make the most of the funds we have and accomplished a 100% distribution of program funds, leaving no funds to expire without a project.

The REFoRM policy framework transforms energy management across military bases:

• The Funding Loop: Army installations that save energy are rewarded for their local energy and water conservation efforts, where they can fund energy resilience or quality of life projects. Previously, utility cost savings often reverted to central treasury funds rather than staying with the garrison that earned them.
• Energy Resilience & Security: Each installation that generates program savings funnels 50% of the funds into Army wide fund to support resiliency infrastructure, such as microgrids, backup generators, and energy efficiency projects. This creates a self-sustaining cycle where initial conservation pays for future modernization.
• Funding Quality of Life (QoL): The remaining 50% remains at the fund generating installation with the primary purpose for local commanders to immediately finance Quality of Life (QoL) improvements. This includes funding repairs for barracks, improving recreational areas, and upgrading community infrastructure, and other QoL services.

“The REFoRM program is the epitome of our commitment to making the most of every Army dollar; by capturing energy cost savings, we are generating capital to help modernize our facilities and enhance resilience without requesting additional resources,” said Brandon Cockrell, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Energy and Sustainability. “Our installations are turning their own efficiency into a direct investment in their future readiness and lethality.”

Energy and water resilience, efficiency, and security impact all Army missions. The implementation of the REFoRM program reflects the Army’s priority and focus on installation energy infrastructure to sustain critical missions and mitigate risks to operational missions posed by interruptions to services. By driving conservation efforts, REFoRM helps the Army further its strategic goals to build long-term energy resilience, efficiency, and security, while improving the morale and well-being of the hundreds of Army communities across the country, where our Soldiers live, work, train, and prepare for deployment.