Government Market News StaffWASHINGTON, D.C. – States, tribes and local governments can soon apply for grants to improve their local electric siting and permitting processes. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently announced $300 million in Transmission Siting and Economic Development (TSED) grants from the Investing in American agenda. Concept papers must be submitted to the DOE by Oct. 31. Full applications will be due by April 5, 2024.
Once awarded, grant funds can be used to support modeling, environmental planning, analysis to evaluate alternatives and methods to reduce application processing time. In addition, grant funding can be used for:
- Engagement of the public and facilitate participation with regulatory agencies.
- Workforce development through job training and apprenticeship programs.
- Creation of community-based projects, such as resilient microgrids, renewable power integration, electric vehicle charging stations and development of community facilities for public safety, health care, education, transit, community centers and green spaces.
Transmission developers are not eligible for the grants but can partner with grant recipients on projects. According to officials, this could benefit siting and permitting agencies in developing solutions to improve cross-jurisdictional coordination, strengthen permitting processes and eliminate bottlenecks.
The new initiative aims to reduce challenges in increasing electric transmission capacity at the state and local level while creating opportunities for new and upgraded lines.
