Karn DhingraThe U.S. Department of Energy is making $562 million available to states and tribes to strengthen and modernize America’s power grid.
The Grid Resilience State and Tribal Formula Grant for fiscal year 2024 provides funding to states and tribes for the modernization and replacement of aging power infrastructure, improved access to electricity in urban and underserved areas and the creation of microgrids. Applications are now open and close April 17, 2024.
States, territories and federally recognized Indian tribes will receive $2.3 billion over the next five years through Grid Resilience State and Tribal Formula Grants, including Alaska Native Regional Corporations and Alaska Native Village Corporations. The formula takes into account factors such as population size, land area, probability and severity of disruptive events, and historical mitigation expenditures by a locality.
States, territories and Indian tribes then award the funds to eligible entities to complete a range of projects, giving priority to those that generate the greatest community benefit while providing clean, affordable and reliable energy.
In FY 2022 and 23, the agency awarded more than $772 million to 52 states and territories and 103 tribal entities for projects that boost clean electricity use and reduce energy costs.
Several notable projects have received funding, including the Texas Division of Emergency Management’s $60.6 million effort to identify weaknesses in its grid resilience and minimize disruptions during extreme weather events. A portion of the funds will also be used to improve weatherization and modeling technologies, vegetation management and fuel load management, as well as increase the number of skilled workers working on these projects.
California received $67.5 million to reduce the frequency and duration of power outages while ensuring all residents, especially those living in communities with critical energy resilience needs, share the benefits of clean, safe, affordable and reliable energy. Projects that help California advance its goal of achieving 100% clean energy through zero-carbon energy resources and reduced reliance on fossil fuels will be given preference for funding.
The state of Washington’s $23.4 million allocation will reduce the frequency, duration and impact of outages while enhancing resilience in historically disadvantaged communities.
Requesting fiscal year allocations depends on an applicant’s status in the program, according to the agency.
- Existing Grant Recipients that have already received grants for FY22/23 will have 90 days from the issuance of the ALRD amendment to request FY24 allocations.
- Current Grant Applicants that previously submitted a grant application for FY22/23 but have not yet received their grant at the time the ALRD amendment is issued, will have 90 days from the issuance of the ALRD amendment to amend their previously submitted grant application to include the FY24 allocations.
- New Grant Applicants are eligible applicants that did not submit a grant application for FY22/23 will have 90 days from the issuance of the ALRD amendment to submit a grant application for FY24 allocations. Several one-time actions must be completed before an application can be submitted. Applicants are encouraged to address these items as soon as possible, as some may take several weeks to complete.”
Strategic Partnerships, Inc. can provide information on contract opportunities, plus existing and future government funding. For more information, contact research@spartnerships.com.
