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 a 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 these related smart grid opportunities:
- Distributed Energy Resource Integration (closed)
- High Performing Grid (closed)
- Future Grid (closed)
- Grid Enhancing Technologies (open)
Grid Enhancing Technologies
PON 5848: Grid Enhancing Technologies (GETs) 
seeks innovative solutions to modernize the grid as it transitions to cleaner resources and provides the performance needed to operate reliably.
Who Should Apply
NYSERDA welcomes proposals from organizations adept at product development, demonstration projects, and research studies. Teaming is encouraged to match skill sets that meet the needs of the challenges areas.
Submissions are being accepted until July 15, 2025.
Contact
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Have questions? Contact Christopher Cheng at [email protected] or 518-862-1090 x3436.
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Federal Funding (GridFedFun)
In November 2023, the State of New York (NYS) was awarded ~$24 million from this Grid Resilience State and Tribal Formula Grant. NYSERDA, which submitted the application to the DOE on behalf of NYS is providing the required 15% (~$3.5 million) as cost share. In response to stakeholder feedback, NYSERDA will devote its ~$3.5 million cost share to providing technical assistance and/or implementation funding to entities that are eligible. The ~$24 million from the grant awarded by the DOE will be available for the execution of grid hardening and resilience implementation projects.
PON 5737: Technical Assistance Funding to Develop Grid Modernization Projects invites 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 can be 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 will be required to directly procure any contractors needed for technical services, which may include engineering, economics, and grant application services.
MUNIs and COOPs that do not have technical assistance needs may propose smaller implementation projects that fall within the allowable maximum award amount.
The grant funding will support energy systems that benefit disadvantaged communities, reduce the energy burden to disadvantaged communities, and increase the skilled workforce.
Who Should Apply
This is a rolling solicitation, awards will be made on a first come first served basis through 3:00 p.m. on December 1, 2027.
PON 5896: Competitive Solicitation for Grid Resilience State and Tribal Formula Grant invites applications from municipal electric utilities (MUNIs) and rural electric cooperatives (COOPs) in New York State for funding to support grid hardening and grid resilience implementation projects. Proposers’ intended projects must fall under one of the DOE approved project types outlined in the PON summary.
Eligible entities are allowed to apply for PON 5896 without having applied for or received funds from Technical Assistance Technical Assistance Funding to Develop Grid Modernization Projects (PON 5737). Previous application and/or award of technical assistance funding from PON 5737 does not guarantee award for federal implementation funds and vice- versa.
Proposers must provide a 33% cost match for the funds that they are requesting.
Deadline
Deadline Extension and Addition of Project Type for the Grid Resilience State and Tribal Formula Grant Implementation Funding:
The deadline has been extended to March 26, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. ET. In addition, the Solicitation will include an additional Project Type. That Project Type is “hardening of power lines, facilities, substations, or other systems."
For any additional questions please reach out to [email protected].
Contact
Hafiz Bello at [email protected] or 518-862-1090 x3533
Read about Grid Modernization as a focus area for Innovation@NYSERDA.