Oregon Department of Energy Grid Resilience Grant Program to Support Oregon Electric Utilities
Media Contact: Jennifer Kalez
Program Contact: grid.grants@energy.oregon.gov
SALEM – A new Oregon Department of Energy Grid Resilience Grant Program has nearly $19 million available to support projects that strengthen resilience of the electric grid in Oregon communities. Program funding is available thanks to the federal 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
Electric utilities are eligible to apply for grants to support resilience projects, which can include weatherization technologies and equipment, fire-resistant technologies and fire-prevention systems, utility pole management, undergrounding of electrical equipment, and more.
Strengthening the resilience of the electric grid can reduce disruptive events, like power outages due to extreme weather. ODOE’s program is designed to fund projects that will have the greatest community benefits while addressing the most pressing grid resilience needs. The program is also designed to advance equity, environmental, and energy justice priorities in support of federal Justice40 Initiative goals to deliver benefits to disadvantaged communities.
At least 40 percent of ODOE’s grant budget is reserved for small utilities – which often serve rural areas of the state – that sell less than 4 million megawatt hours of electricity per year.
“The Oregon Department of Energy is thrilled to offer this program to strengthen the resilience of the electric grid in Oregon communities,” said ODOE Director Janine Benner. “As climate change continues to bring extreme weather events to our state, a resilient grid will help Oregon utilities recover more quickly following an outage.”
An Opportunity Announcement is available on ODOE’s website with additional details and program requirements, including required matching funds for projects. Applications are due by 1 p.m. on June 14, 2024. Utilities can access required application materials online, and ODOE will open its application portal to accept completed submissions this spring.