DEQ Seeks Applications for Energy Infrastructure Grid Resilience Grants
HELENA—The Montana Energy Office at the Department of Environmental Quality is seeking applications for approximately $13.7 million in grant funding for Energy Infrastructure Grid Resilience projects that will improve the reliability and resilience of the electric grid and help reduce utility customer energy outages across the state. Funding for the grants is through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Grid Resilience State and Tribal Formula Grants program.
Under this competitive funding opportunity, DEQ will provide subawards to eligible entities. Eligible entities include electric grid operators, electricity storage operators, electricity generators, transmission owners and operators, distribution providers and fuel suppliers. Eligible projects include but are not limited to:
- Implementing fire-resistant technologies and fire prevention systems
- Moving electrical equipment underground
- Replacing power lines with advanced conductors
- Constructing battery storage systems that help the grid adapt to disruptive events
- Protecting power lines, facilities, substations, and other systems from disruptive events
DEQ will give priority to projects that help Montana’s electric system withstand extreme weather events and natural hazards including wildfires, flooding and winter storms. DEQ encourages innovative projects that also increase workforce opportunities for Montanans to install and maintain energy resilience measures on our energy grid.
“The Montana Energy Infrastructure Resilience Grants provide a tremendous opportunity to support projects that will enhance reliability, expand workforce opportunities and help protect the grid and customers from wildfire and other disruptive events,” said Sonja Nowakowski, DEQ’s air energy and mining division administrator. “DEQ looks forward to receiving applications for projects that will improve Montana’s electrical grid and reduce utility customer outages.”
Applicants must request at least $50,000 and no more than $3 million in their grant application. Matching requirements depend on the type and size of eligible entity requesting funding. Approximately $5.6 million of the $13.7 million will be set aside for small utilities. The deadline for applications is 2 p.m., Wednesday, June 26, 2024. Applications can be submitted through the State of Montana’s eMACS website at: https://spb.mt.gov/eMACS-Resources
More information about this opportunity can also be found on DEQ’s Grid Resilience and Reliability Grants webpage at: https://deq.mt.gov/energy/Programs/grid
Tags: Energy and Press Release