 Grid resiliency and reliability grants
Small utility opportunity: $26 million for grid resiliency and reliability grants – Applications close October 24, 2024, 11:59 a.m. PT
Commerce is accepting applications to support the construction of grid resilience and reliability projects for qualifying utilities throughout Washington State.
Authorized by the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Grid Resilience State and Tribal Formula Grants program (often referred to as section 40101(d)) is designed to strengthen and modernize the power grid against wildfires, extreme weather, and other natural disasters that are exacerbated by the climate crisis. Beginning in 2024, Commerce will award funding to a diverse set of projects, with priority given to efforts that generate the greatest community benefit by providing clean, affordable and reliable energy.
This funding opportunity will have two application review periods: October 2024 and April 2025. More information about the second application period will be announced in 2025.
Eligible utilities
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) defines small utilities as having retail sales of less than 4,000,000 MWh per year. Applicants can use the information from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) Annual Electric Power Industry Report to determine if their utility is eligible.
Additional information for Washington-specific utilities can also be found in the Washington State Electric Utility Resource Planning 2022 Report.
Timeline
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Aug. 22: Application opened at 12:00 a.m. (midnight)
- Oct. 24: Completed applications must be submitted by 11:59 a.m.
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Dec. 2024: Awardees and non-awardees notified
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Dec. 2024-Feb. 2025: U.S. Department of Energy evaluates successful applications for final award approval
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Mar. 2025: Contracting begins
How to apply
Applicants only need to submit one application per project to apply for grant funding, and they may submit applications for multiple projects. Commerce will evaluate each application across all potential programs and match projects to the relevant funding source(s). Applications will submitted on Zoom Grants.
Access the grid resiliency program documents on Box for full eligibility, evaluation criteria, application materials, instructions for applying, listening session resources, and weekly Q&A documents.
Pre-application conference recordings
The pre-application conferences were held on August 29th, 2024, and September 11th, 2024, for applicants to learn about program guidelines and ask questions.
Technical Assistant Opportunity
Applicants seeking technical assistance with their project or application can reach out to the Department of Commerce’s Emergency Response and Energy Management Office (EREMO). Request technical assistance from EREMO by filling out this intake form.
Learn more
Contact EPICgrants@commerce.wa.gov and please check the Washington Grid Resilience website often for updates.
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