Energy is Looking for Input on $10 Billion Electric Grid Overhaul

The Department of Energy remains committed to modernizing the country’s electricity grid, announcing a new sources sought notice investigating the timeline of development needed to serve the diverse body of American communities. 

$10.5 billion dollars in federal funding will go towards Energy’s Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnership Program to improve the reliability and durability of the U.S. electrical grid, a key part of President Joe Biden’s sweeping infrastructure bill. Energy is seeking feedback particularly from key stakeholders—like Native American tribes, project managers and other state agencies—to guide the funding process over a five-year period of installation. 

“DOE is moving quickly to upgrade the nation’s power grid in order to provide American households with more reliable and affordable electricity that comes from a more diverse set of clean energy sources,” said Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm. “President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is investing in improving and expanding transmission and distribution systems across the country, driving down energy costs and generating good-paying jobs.”

$2.5 billion will specifically be allocated toward grid resilience, which will incorporate technology solutions that aim to prevent power outages caused by weather hazards, such as extreme temperatures, floods and wildfires.

Another $8 million will go toward other project applications, like accelerating the integration of clean energy infrastructure into the nation’s electrical grid to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“Innovative approaches can range from use of advanced technologies, to innovative partnerships, to the deployment of projects identified by innovative planning processes, to many others,” the press release read.

Energy launched a specific office to help oversee this endeavor called the Building a Better Grid Initiative back in January. 

Comments on Energy’s RFI will be open until Oct. 14.