HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection is seeking applications for innovative, advanced, and transformative projects resulting in a more resilient and reliable electric grid.

This program will help transform Pennsylvania’s electric grid in the face of growing climate threats and an evolving electric infrastructure. These projects will also promote the expansion of clean energy generation, workforce benefits, and positive outcomes in disadvantaged communities.

The first round of Pennsylvania Grid Resilience Grants Program funding will provide $16 million in competitive grants for resilience measures intended to mitigate the impact of electric grid disruptive events. This new program advances important energy security, climate, and hazard mitigation goals for the Commonwealth.

“It is critical that we support efforts working toward reliable, clean, and affordable power in our Commonwealth,” said DEP Interim Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley. “Funding like this makes it possible for applicants to reach for innovation and transformation, which in turn, benefits all Pennsylvanians. DEP is privileged to award these funds, and we look forward to seeing the ground-breaking projects these applicants propose.”

Concept papers will be received any time after the grant opening date until the deadline of Nov. 14, at 11:59 p.m. Timeline is subject to change. Applicants will be notified of changes.

The following applicants are eligible for grants: Electric grid, transmission, distribution, or storage operators/providers; electricity generators; and fuel suppliers.

The following resilience measures intended to mitigate the impact of disruptive events are eligible for grants: Hardening grid assets, real-time control and coordination and tools to support modeling and analysis.

Applicants can contact the DEP Energy Programs Office at RA-EPPAGRIDRESILIENC@pa.gov with questions or to request clarification about the program documents.