The U.S Department of Energy announced an additional nearly $2 billion for projects that will protect the power grid against growing threats of extreme weather, lower costs for communities, and increase grid capacity to meet load growth. The 38 projects selected were announced earlier today through the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) program and will deploy new, innovative transmission and distribution infrastructure upgrades. The upgrades will enable over 7.5 gigawatts of grid capacity, speed up interconnection for new clean energy projects, and support nearly 6,000 good-paying jobs.
The first round of GRIP funding was announced last year, and in August additional funding for another eight selections was announced.
Second Round awards in our area include:
- Puget Sound Energy– Grid Resilience Utility and Industry Grants, Skagit River Valley Transformation for Climate Resiliency
- Avista Utilities– Smart Grid Grants, Lolo-Oxbow Transmission Upgrade and Optimization
- Montana Department of Commerce– Grid Innovation Program, North Plains Connector Interregional Innovation
The more than $45 million grant will allow PSE to perform strategic system undergrounding to prevent service interruptions, deploy situational awareness technologies for faster response times, and add microgrid and black-start capabilities to restore service quickly using zero-carbon hydropower from the Baker River Hydroelectric Project. Pending award negotiations, the project is anticipated to be completed over a four-year basis ending in late 2029.
Announcement from PSE: PSE | PSE awarded $45 million grant to help improve reliability and resiliency in parts of the Skagit River Valley
A full list of GRIP projects, including awards finalized to date, is available here. Award negotiations will begin immediately. DOE expects to launch a third round of GRIP funding in 2025. DOE will hold an informational webinar on October 30, 2024 at 12:00 pm ET to highlight selection trends. Registration is required.
Announcement from DOE: Biden-Harris Administration Announces Additional $2 Billion to Protect the Grid Against Growing Threats of Extreme Weather, Expand Transmission | Department of Energy