DOE Seeks Public Input on Structuring Grants for $2.5B Grid Modernization Program

The Department of Energy is seeking information from state governments and tribal nations on how to best tailor a formula grant program aimed at boosting the climate change resilience of the U.S. power grid.

The $2.5 billion modernization effort under the department’s Building a Better Grid Initiative stemmed from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and would offer funding for measures to cut electricity outages and lessen health and safety risks posed by power failures, DOE said Wednesday.

According to the recently published request for information, public input should specify potential grant application challenges, needed technical assistance support and critical data sources to inform the development of a formula that will serve as a basis for grant awards.

The program looks to strengthen the power grid against natural disasters and extreme weather events by relocating electricity lines, increasing grid situational awareness and integrating distributed energy resources, among other efforts.

Responses to the RFI are due June 27.

Aside from the $2.5 billion grid strengthening effort, the Building a Better Grid Initiative also covers the $3 billion Smart Grid Investment Grant Program expansion.

Sponsor