Grid Modernization Program
Smart grid technologies promote the modernization of the electric grid, including the use of renewable and distributed energy resources, fewer greenhouse gas emissions, and lower operating costs. With a smart grid, New Yorkers will have access to more affordable electricity and a more resilient and reliable energy system.
To further the research and development of a smarter grid, NYSERDA has participated in several working groups and provided funding for related smart grid opportunities:
Read about Grid Modernization as a focus area for Innovation@NYSERDA.
Net-Zero Resilience Preparation for Municipal and Rural Electric Providers
Municipal electric utilities and rural electric cooperatives across New York State play a critical role in the areas they cover. The combined dynamics of a changing climate and the effects of decarbonization present a set of new operating considerations to continue to provide resilient and reliable services. Through RFP 6129 
, NYSERDA seeks to support the rapid decarbonization and increased resilience of municipal utilities and rural electric cooperatives through demonstrations of Net Zero/Deep Decarbonization Solutions. Project proposers may include one or more electric municipal utilities or rural electric cooperatives. Entities other than a municipal utility or rural cooperative may apply on their behalf, provided that the proposal includes a letter of commitment from at least one New York State municipal utility or rural cooperative partner.
For more information about RFP 6129, email [email protected].
Available Offerings
PON 6149: Grid Enhancing Technologies (GETs) offers up to $24 Million in funding for product development and demonstration proposals that accelerate the realization of an advanced, digitally enhanced and dynamically managed high-performing electric grid for New York State.
The primary purpose of this PON is to accelerate the deployment of GETs in New York State and accelerate the achievement of resulting benefits. Systematic improvements to grid investments and operations are possible at all levels of the grid. An enhanced grid is an essential element to enable the market development envisioned by New York State’s clean energy goals.
How To Apply
Applicants will be required to follow a multi-step application process that begins with a concept paper submission proposing to an eligible topic area. NYSERDA approved concept papers will be invited for a full proposal submission.
Concept papers will be accepted up to 3:00 p.m. ET on October 7, 2029 or until funding is exhausted.
Contact
Jim Hastings at [email protected] or 518-738-2964
Closed PONs
PON 5737: Technical Assistance Funding to Develop Grid Modernization Projects is currently closed pending the appropriation of additional federal funding consideration through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Federal Funding.
The previous offering invited applications from municipal electric utilities (MUNIs) and rural electric cooperatives (COOPs) in New York State for technical assistance awards of up to $200,000 per applicant. Technical assistance grants were used to support technical analyses needed to evaluate potential projects, grant writing assistance for implementation funding, and development of a reporting system to evaluate project success.
Applicants were required to directly procure any contractors needed for technical services, which may have included engineering, economics, and grant application services.
MUNIs and COOPs that did not have technical assistance needs were eligible to propose smaller implementation projects that fell within the allowable maximum award amount.
The grant funding supports energy systems that benefit disadvantaged communities, reduce the energy burden to disadvantaged communities, and increase the skilled workforce.
Contact
For more information about PON 5737, email [email protected].
Read about Grid Modernization as a focus area for Innovation@NYSERDA.