ODOE Grid Resilience Grant Program Offers $11.5 Million to Support Oregon Electric Utilities
Media Contact: Jennifer Kalez
Program Contact: grid.grants@energy.oregon.gov
The Oregon Department of Energy has $11.5 million available through its Grid Resilience Grant Program to support projects that strengthen resilience of the electric grid in Oregon communities. This is the second round of grant funding through this program, which 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 prevent and 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.
ODOE received 13 grant applications from electric utilities in the first round of $18.9 million in grant program funding in 2024. So far, six projects have been approved by the U.S. Department of Energy and ODOE and are proceeding. For example, Columbia Power Cooperative Association was awarded over $1.3 million for hazard mitigation in Grant and Wheeler counties, including vegetation management for 700 miles of power lines, fuse upgrades, and pole replacement. The City of Forest Grove was awarded nearly $440,000 to underground 3,500 feet of distribution line in a forested area to reduce natural hazard disruptions and fire risk. See summaries of the six approved first-round projects on ODOE’s website. Seven remaining projects from the first round continue working toward agreements.
“The Oregon Department of Energy is excited to offer a second round of grants to support electric utility projects that strengthen resilience of the electric grid,” said ODOE Director Janine Benner. “In our upcoming Oregon Energy Strategy, resilience is one of the five key pathways Oregon can take toward a clean energy future that maintains affordability and reliability. Programs like this will support those efforts.”
An Opportunity Announcement is available on ODOE’s website with additional details and program requirements, including required matching funds for projects and upcoming webinars.
Applications are due by 3 p.m. on January 30, 2026. Utilities can access required application materials online.