Funding is now available to support the development of electric grid modernization project proposals through the state’s Grid Modernization Program. Shown are power lines that cross New Scotland So. Rd., Delmar, NY. (N.R. Mallery)

Grants for municipal electric utilities and rural cooperative businesses upgrades support the transition to 100% zero-emission electricity by 2040 in the state.

$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 is available to interested municipal electric utilities and rural electric cooperatives in developing a reliable grid infrastructure and access to affordable clean energy. The April 5 announcement supports the NY Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act goals to transition to 100% zero-emission electricity by 2040.

The 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 a 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 at https://on.ny.gov/43TtGV3 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.

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 for projects which will strengthen the capacity of New York State’s grid systems and communities to prepare for current and future climate-related risks.

New York was one of nine states and five tribal nations that were awarded a combined total of $125 million last September as the seventh cohort of Grid Resilience State and Tribal Formula Grants. The $3.5 million is part of New York’s 15% matching funds required by DOE and sourced through the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. To learn more, visit NYSERDA’s website () and the Grid Deployment Office’s website ().

Priority is given to projects that generate the greatest community benefit providing clean, affordable, and reliable energy.