Authorized by the 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 state formula funds to a diverse set of projects, with priority given to efforts that generate the greatest community benefit by providing clean, affordable, and reliable energy, and reducing the frequency and duration of power outages.
Apply for the Washington Grid Resilience Program
Application closes on Oct. 24, 2024, 11:59 a.m. PT
Who is eligible?
This program is open to applicants listed below who satisfy the minimum qualifications and are available for work in Washington. Additional applicant eligibility requirements correspond to specific project categories. Eligible entities for awards include: electric grid operators, electricity storage operators, electricity generators, transmission owners or operators, distribution providers, fuel suppliers, and other applicants approved by DOE.
Only utilities with 4,000,000 MWH annual electricity sales or less, as defined by the Department of Energy (DOE), will be eligible to apply for this grant program. However, if there is money left over by the end of the second review period, we may open the opportunity to utilities of all sizes.
The Department of Energy (DOE) defines small utilities as having retail sales of less than 4,000,000 MWh per year. Applicants can use the reported information from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) Annual Electric Power Industry Report to determine whether their utility is eligible. Additional information for Washington-specific utilities can also be found in the Washington State Electric Utility Resource Planning 2022 Report.
Projects that increase the reliability and resiliency of power grids within small utility territories are eligible for this funding. Projects must improve the reliability and resilience of the grid against disruptive events, such as extreme weather, wildfires and/or natural disasters. Some examples of eligible projects include fire-resistant technologies and fire prevention systems, the undergrounding of electrical equipment, utility pole management, projects that enhance system adaptive capacity, etc. To view the full list of eligible projects, see the Request for Applications (RFA). Other measures as determined or approved by DOE. All applications must be reviewed and approved by DOE before the final award is made.
Projects that will be the most competitive will accomplish at a minimum, one of the following:
- Reduce the number of customers impacted
- Reduce the frequency of electricity service disruptions
- Reduce the duration of outages
How to apply
The Clean Grid team will publish a Request for Applications (RFA) for each funding opportunity when it opens. The RFA will outline eligibility guidelines, evaluation criteria, and instructions for applying. Commerce will hold a pre-application conference before applications are due for each funding round to answer questions. Questions will also be accepted by email.
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.
When to apply
The pre-application conferences were held on August 29, 2024, and September 11, 2024, for applicants to learn about program guidelines and ask questions. Watch the recordings (Box).
- August 22, 2024: Application opens at 12:00 a.m. (midnight) PT
- August 29, 2024: Pre-application conference #1
- September 11, 2024: Pre-application conference #2
- October 24, 2024: Completed applications must be submitted by 11:59 a.m. PT
- December 2024: Awardees and non-awardees notified
- December 2024 – February 2025: DOE evaluates successful applications for final award approval
- March 2025: Earliest date the contract may be signed
Pre-application conference recordings
The preapplication conferences were held on Aug. 29, 2024, and Sept. 11, 2024, for applicants to learn about program guidelines and ask questions. View the recording here.
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.