DOE splits $167.7M in grid resilience grants between states, territories and Tribes
As part of efforts by the Biden administration to modernize the electric grid and reduce impacts from climate change equitably, $167.7 million in Grid Resilience State and Tribal Formula Grants were awarded to 11 states, 20 Tribal nations and two territories last week by the Department of Energy (DOE).
“A modern, reliable grid is a critical feature to expanding access and use of clean power sources,” U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm said. “President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is providing states and Tribes with historic funding to prepare for a more resilient, clean energy future, one that delivers more local jobs and ensures that the lights stay on in the face of extreme weather events.”
This marks the eighth round of such grants, as backed by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and managed by the DOE’s Grid Deployment Office. So far, a total of more than $748 million has gone to participating states and Tribes for electrification, decreasing energy costs and more.
The uses of this round’s funding will vary significantly recipient to recipient, though. For example, Arizona will use $13 million to improve reliability and resilience of its electric grid, promote microgrids, deploy advanced control sensor technologies and grid and pole hardening measures, and undergrounding existing power lines. Meanwhile, the Spokane Tribe will use $1 million to reduce the frequency and duration of electrical outages on the Spokane Reservation, while increasing reliability for key facilities and training its workforce.
The other state recipients include Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Tennessee and West Virginia. Among U.S. territories, both American Samoa and the U.S. Virgin Islands will receive funding. Of the 20 Tribes selected, amounts issued range from just over $111,000 issued to areas like Igiugig Village and Kokhanok Village, to the more than $4.3 million issued to the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation.
Among states, Florida was the largest recipient of federal help, with more than $30 million provided.
Total, $2.3 billion will be distributed through these grants over the next five years, based on factors such as population size, land area, probability and severity of disruptive events, along with a locality’s historical expenditures on mitigation efforts.
