Governor Kathy Hochul today announced $3.5 million in technical assistance funding is now available to support the development of electric grid modernization project proposals through the state’s Grid Modernization Program. This funding will support interested municipal electric utilities and rural electric cooperatives in developing proposals that advance the reliability of grid infrastructure and access to affordable clean energy. Today's announcement supports the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act goals to transition to 100 percent zero-emission electricity by 2040.
“With the support of the Biden Administration, we are advancing a more resilient, modernized and connected electric grid,” Governor Hochul said, “This funding will help the State identify the best approaches for grid modernization projects that ensure New Yorkers always have access to affordable and reliable power.”
Today’s announcement represents the pre-development step to help municipal electric utilities (MUNIs) and rural cooperatives (COOPs) plan for an upcoming $24 million funding opportunity made possible through U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) award to New York State last fall. The $24 million, expected to be made available this summer, will be administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) over a two-year period through a competitive solicitation process to select grid modernization projects.
New York State MUNIs and rural COOPs may now apply here Link opens in new window - close new window to return to this page. on a first come, first served basis until 3:00 p.m. on December 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, grant writing assistance for implementation funding, and development of a metrics reporting system to evaluate project success.
NYSERDA will host an informational webinar here Link opens in new window - close new window to return to this page. on April 12 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. for those interested in learning more about the technical assistance funding opportunity.
Doreen M. Harris, President and CEO NYSERDA said, “NYSERDA is pleased to offer technical assistance support for municipal utilities and rural COOPs to plan for necessary improvements and upgrades to the resiliency of their community’s grid infrastructure. By providing this up-front support, we are ensuring future proposals submitted for consideration represent projects that will advance a just transition to a zero-emission electric grid while increasing access to clean energy for New Yorkers.”
MUNIs and rural COOPs that do not have technical assistance needs may propose smaller implementation projects that fall within the allowable maximum award amount including projects that align with focus areas detailed in the solicitation, which will strengthen the capacity of New York State’s grid systems and communities to prepare for current and future climate risks. Applicants will be required to directly procure any contractors needed for technical services, which may include engineering, economics, and grant application services. NYSERDA will review all contractors working with MUNIs and rural COOPs as part of this activity to ensure they meet the Authority’s and federal contractor standards.
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Categories: New York, Energy, Government & Policy