DOE Allocates $3.5B to Upgrade U.S. Electric Grid, Including $150M for Michigan Utilities
The U.S. Department of Energy has announced $3.5 billion in awards under its Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships program to support 58 projects in 44 states, making it the largest-ever investment in America's grid. The funding aims to expand and strengthen the nation's electric system, mitigate climate change risks, unlock stranded renewables projects, and improve the flexibility, efficiency, and reliability of the aging power system. The awards include grants for smart grid projects in individual cities and a $464 million investment in five transmission projects across seven Midwest states. The program emphasizes community engagement and benefits, aligning with President Biden's Justice40 initiative.