Keaton PetersNew York has plans to modernize its electrical grid, improving reliability and streamlining clean energy integration. Governor Kathy Hochul announced a $12 million funding opportunity through the Grid Enhancing Technologies (GETs) program, which will support projects to upgrade the state’s aging energy transmission and distribution system to accommodate increasing renewable capacity and keep the power flowing.
The program, administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, will provide up to $3 million for product development or demonstration projects and $400,000 for research studies. Proposals must demonstrate clear pathways to commercial deployment and include cost-sharing requirements of 50% for product development and demonstrations and 25% for studies.
New York’s push for grid modernization is a key strategy for reaching clean energy goals, as the state looks to balance new technology and maintain reliable power delivery. As more intermittent renewables like wind and solar connect to the grid, the existing infrastructure requires technological upgrades to handle their variable output and maintain system stability.
NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said the funding will foster public-private partnerships that push toward innovative solutions for the state’s electric grid.
One key focus is transmission improvements, which intend to increase the capacity of power lines. The program also seeks projects to develop advanced conductors—essentially next-generation power cables that can carry more electricity with less energy loss—and upgrades that can better withstand extreme weather and changing demand patterns.
Another priority area is the integration of solar panels, wind turbines and battery storage systems that convert electricity between DC and AC power. This includes technologies that maintain grid stability when renewable energy output fluctuates, protection systems that prevent equipment damage during power surges and advanced planning tools that help utilities forecast energy needs.
The program also emphasizes “operational situational awareness,” which involves giving grid operators better real-time information about what’s happening across the power system. This includes decision-making tools for grid managers, technologies that assess reliability and
predict potential problems before they occur, artificial intelligence applications that can analyze massive amounts of grid data and improved maintenance methods that reduce outages and extend equipment life. The funding initiative builds on prior rounds of the program, formerly called the Future Grid Challenge, which has awarded approximately $65 million to over 110 grid technology companies and research organizations since 2016. Previous projects have developed low-cost high-accuracy grid sensors, advanced modeling tools and engineering solutions for grid modernization.
The program was developed in collaboration with the Joint Utilities of New York, whose members include Con Edison, Central Hudson Gas & Electric, National Grid, New York State Electric and Gas, Rochester Gas & Electric and Orange & Rockland. Together, these utilities serve over 13 million households, businesses, and government facilities across the state.
This latest funding round aligns with New York’s broader climate goals, which call for a complete transition to emissions-free electricity by 2040 and a carbon-neutral economy by 2050. The state has committed to deploying approximately $1.2 billion over 15 years for clean energy innovation and research, with more than $800 million already invested to support over 700 companies and bring nearly 300 products to market.
Technology developers, researchers and utilities looking to apply for funding have until July 15, 2025 to submit proposals. NYSERDA will evaluate applications based on their potential impact on grid performance, technical feasibility and ability to address market barriers to deployment.
