; and (F) a regional planning commission or other public entity serving 2 or more rural areas. (2) Energy Circuit Rider The term Energy Circuit Rider means an individual who is trained to provide and support, on a professional basis, assistance (including technical assistance) and informed decisionmaking in the planning, financing, and implementation of energy efficiency or clean energy projects, including with respect to 1 or more of the following: (A) Energy planning. (B) Energy audits. (C) Applicable Federal funding opportunities and tax incentives. (D) Applicable State, local, and utility-based incentives, including, as appropriate, coordinating with the State energy office in that State. (E) Project financing. (F) Grant writing. (G) Community-based capacity building. (3) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary, acting through the Under Secretary for Rural Development. (b) Establishment The Secretary shall establish a program, to be known as the Energy Circuit Rider Program , under which the Secretary shall provide to eligible entities grants for the hiring, training, and retention by eligible entities of 1 or more Energy Circuit Riders. (c) Grants (1) In general To be eligible to receive a grant under the Energy Circuit Rider Program, an eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. (2) Term The term of a grant provided under the Energy Circuit Rider Program shall be more than 3, but not more than 6, years, as the Secretary determines to be appropriate to achieve the purposes of this section. (3) Federal share The Federal share of the cost of carrying out activities under the grant shall be not more than 75 percent. (4) Priority In providing grants under the Energy Circuit Rider Program, the Secretary shall give priority to an eligible entity the application under paragraph (1) of which is recommended by the director of the relevant State rural development office. (d) Energy Circuit Rider