Power grid improvement grants available for towns, co-ops
State and federal funds can help efforts to modernize systems
ALBANY — A total of $3.5 million is available to help rural electric co-ops and municipal utilities develop applications for federal grants to modernize and reinforce their local power grids, according to the New York State Energy Research Development Agency and Gov. Kathy Hochul.
Building a more reliable and flexible power grid is part of New York’s overall plan to boost energy production from emission-free sources such as solar and wind power.
The U.S. Department of Energy plans to offer $24 million for grid improvements at municipal utilities and rural co-ops in New York.
The money will be administered by the NYSERDA over a two-year period through a competitive process. Municipal systems and co-ops may now apply here or through NYSERDA.NY.GOV on a first-come, first-served basis until 3 p.m. Dec. 1, 2027 for a one-time maximum technical assistance award of up to $200,000 per applicant. This assistance can be used to support the technical analyses needed to evaluate potential projects, for grant writing assistance for implementation funding, and for development of a metrics reporting system to evaluate project success. NYSERDA will host an informational webinar here at 2 p.m. April 12 for those interested in learning more about the technical assistance funding opportunity. For more information go to https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/.
“We are advancing a more resilient, modernized and connected electric grid,” Hochul said in a prepared statement. “This funding will help the State identify the best approaches for grid modernization projects.”