The Grid and Transmission Program Conductor acts as a clearinghouse for GDO’s transmission and grid resilience financing programs, as well as other existing DOE transmission and grid programs. This Guide is meant to be used in tandem with an interactive tool to find the opportunities best suited to individual projects.
For funding opportunities, any content within this website that appears discrepant from a Funding Opportunity Announcement or Request from Proposal is superseded by the FOA or RFP language.
Programs Overview
| Provision | BIL, IRA, N/A | Summary | Eligible Entities | Eligible Projects | Funding |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission Programs | |||||
| Transmission Facilitation Program | BIL: Sec: 40106 | Program that will provide Federal support to overcome the financial hurdles in the development of large-scale new transmission lines, upgrading of existing transmission, and the connection of microgrids in select States and U.S. Territories |
May include but not limited to:
|
To qualify, projects must meet at least one of the following criteria:
|
$2.5 billion in borrowing authority Revolving fund Three types of financing:
|
| Transmission Facility Financing Program | IRA: Sec. 50151 | Direct loan program for facility financing |
Limited to:
|
To qualify, projects must be designated by the Secretary to be necessary in the national interest under section 216(a) of the Federal Power Act. | $2 billion in borrowing authority |
| Transmission Siting and Economic Development (TSED) Grant Program | IRA: Sec. 50152 | Grant program to support:
|
For siting and permitting activities: siting authorities, defined as Tribal, state, or local governmental entities with the authority to make a final determination regarding the siting, permitting, or regulatory status of a “covered transmission project.”
For economic development activities: siting authorities or any Tribal, state, or local governmental entity proposing to undertake a project in a community impacted by the construction or operation of a “covered transmission project.” |
Examples of siting and permitting activities and economic development activities can be found on Frequently Asked Questions on the Transmission Siting and Economic Development Grant Program. |
$760 million |
| Loan Programs Office (LPO): Transmission Loans | IRA: Sec. 1706 |
Through Title 17, loans to support transmission expansion projects and emerging technologies including HVDC deployment and GETS manufacturing and deployment Through Title 17, Section 1706, also known as Energy Infrastructure Reinvestment Financing Program, loans to retool, repower, repurpose or replace energy infrastructure (incl. transmission) that has ceased operations |
May include but not limited to:
|
To qualify, projects must meet at least one of the following criteria:
|
$40 billion in loan authority across all Title 17 innovative clean energy technologies $250 billion in loan authority through Title 17 Section 1706 |
| Western Area Power Administration (WAPA): Transmission Infrastructure Program (TIP) | N/A |
Strategic loans to leverage Federal funds and attract private and other nonfederal co-investment to support the development of critical transmission and related infrastructure |
May include but not limited to:
|
To qualify for a project loan or project development assistance from the TIP, prospective utility-scale transmission and/or related projects must meet and demonstrate, at minimum, the following criteria:
|
$3.25 billion in borrowing authority Revolving fund |
| Grid Infrastructure Modernization & Improvement Programs | |||||
| Grid Resilience State and Tribal Formula Grants Program | BIL: Sec. 40101(d) | Formula grant program to strengthen and modernize America’s power grid against wildfires, extreme weather, and other natural disasters that are exacerbated by the climate crisis |
Limited to:
|
To qualify, grantees must address at least one of the following:
|
$2.3 billion 15% cost share from State, Territory, Tribal grantee |
| Grid Resilience Utility and Industry Grants | BIL: Sec. 40101(c) | Grants to grid operators for investments to reduce the likelihood and consequences of disruptive events to communities and reduce risk of power lines causing wildfires |
May include but not limited to:
|
Same as listed above for Grid Resilience State and Tribal Formula Grants Program. |
$2.5 billion Second round includes FY24 & FY25 together (up to $918 million) At least 50% cost share from grantee |
| Smart Grid Grants | BIL: Sec. 40107 | Grants to support the deployment of technologies to enhance grid flexibility |
Limited to:
|
To qualify, investments may include:
|
$3 billion Second round includes FY24 & FY25 together (up to $1.08 billion) At least 50% cost share from grantee |
| Grid Innovation Program | BIL Sec. 40103(b) |
Financial assistance to governmental entities to coordinate and collaborate with electric sector owners and operators to:
|
Limited to:
|
To qualify, projects must meet at least one of the following criteria:
|
$5 billion Second round includes FY24 & FY25 together (up to $1.82 billion) At least 50% cost share from grantee |
| Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED): Energy Improvement in Rural & Remote Areas Program (ERA) | BIL Sec. 40103(c) | Program will provide financial investment, technical assistance, and other resources to advance clean energy demonstrations and energy solutions in rural and remote areas that can be replicated and scaled.
ERA funding opportunities include:
|
Limited to
|
To qualify, projects must satisfy at least one of the following objectives:
|
$1 billion First round: $365 million |
Resources & FAQs for GDO Programs
Q: Where do I apply for funding?
All programs and their applications can be found on FedConnect after the funding round opens.
Q: Can I receive a grant/loan or participate in a public private partnership for multiple Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) provisions (40101, 40103(b), 40107) administered by GDO?
It is permitted for an entity to receive grants from multiple grid-related programs (BIL Sections 40101, 40103(b), or 40107) if the entity is otherwise qualified. However, an eligible entity cannot submit an application for a grant under Section 40101(c) and a grant provided by a State or Tribe under Section 40101(d) during the same application cycle.
Q: Can I receive funding from a GRIP program AND apply for Transmission Facilitation Program?
Yes, that is permitted. Neither the GRIP program nor the Transmission Facilitation Program (TFP) preclude an eligible entity from receiving grants or other federal assistance (e.g., GRIP grant/assistance, TFP capacity contracts, public-private partnerships, or loans) from multiple programs if the entity is otherwise qualified.
Q: Can I apply and receive an award for TFP or a GRIP program AND the Transmission Facility Financing program in IRA (sec. 50151)?
No, an entity may not receive Transmission Facility Financing under IRA section 50151 if it is receiving grants or other Federal support, such as the TFP or a GRIP program.
Q: Can I receive a Loan Programs Office (LPO) loan AND participate in the GDO grant/financial assistance programs?
No, a project may not receive a loan from Loan Program Office under Title 17 and 1706 of the Energy Policy Act as enacted in IRA section 50144 if that project will also receive grants or other Federal support while the loan is outstanding, such as the TFP or a GRIP program.
Q: Is this the only round of funding available?
No, the grid modernization grants will run additional rounds of funding. The Transmission Facilitation Program will run additional rounds of funding until the $2.5 billion is fully distributed and the revolving fund is paid back. The Loan Program Office funds are being distributed on a rolling basis.
Q: Can States, Territories, or Tribes subgrant funding out to other entities?
Yes, for the programs that States, Territories, or Tribes are eligible, they may subgrant funding to other entities.
Q: Are public utilities in the Territories eligible for grant funding under the grid resilience provisions (40101, 40107, and through the states for 40103(b))?
Public utilities in the Territories are eligible for grant funding under all three grid resilience provisions mentioned.
Q: I’ve heard there is additional funding for transmission through the IRA. What can you tell me about that?
There are several transmission related provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) including:
- Section 50151 (Transmission Facility Financing)
- Appropriates $2 billion to remain available until September 30, 2030, for a direct loan program for certain transmission project development.
- To be eligible for a direct loan, a transmission project would need to be designated by the Secretary to be necessary in the national interest under section 216(a) of the Federal Power Act.
- Section 50152 [Transmission Siting and Economic Development (TSED) Grant Program]
- Appropriates $760 million to remain available through September 30, 2029, for making grants aimed at facilitating the siting of certain onshore and offshore transmission lines.
- This is a new program designed to help overcome permitting challenges that slow the deployment of critical transmission and provide tangible benefits to host communities across the country.
- Section 50153 (Interregional and Offshore Wind Electricity Transmission Planning, Modeling, and Analysis)
- Appropriates $100 million to remain available until September 30, 2031, for expenses for convening stakeholders and conducting analysis related to interregional transmission development and development of transmission for offshore wind energy.
Q: Can I apply for BIL/IRA programs administered by DOE and participate in BIL/IRA programs administered by other agencies (I.e., USDA IRA Loans & Grants, DOI IRA Tribal Electrification and Climate Resilience Grants, DOT BIL EV Charging funding, EPA IRA Funding – Green Bank) simultaneously?
Applicants may pursue funding in multiple programs simultaneously if they are able to meet the eligibility requirements for each program. There may be exceptions. For instance, an eligible entity is not allowed to submit the same application for a grant under IIJA Section 40101(c) and Section 40101(d) in the same application cycle. DOE considers a "grant" to have a specific scope (i.e., a unique project). Accordingly, an eligible entity may not submit a grant application with the same scope under both Sections 40101(c) and 40101(d) in the same application cycle. Eligible entities can submit proposals to both Sections 40101(c) and 40101(d) in the same application cycle as long as they are separate scopes of work that address different resilience measures. In addition, federal funds may not be used to satisfy cost match or share requirements.
Transmission Facilitation Program
- Transmission Facilitation Program Page
- The request for proposals document is available on this page.
- Frequently Asked Questions on the Transmission Facilitation Program
Q: How, where, and when can I apply for this funding?
On October 30, 2023, DOE announced that it is entering into capacity contract negotiations with three interregional transmission line projects.
Q. What are the next steps for TFP?
DOE anticipates releasing a second round of TFP funding in the first half of 2024 through a request for proposals that may include a combination of public-private partnerships, loans, and capacity contracts, totaling up to $1 billion.
Q: If I have a transmission project that receives full cost recovery, am I eligible for TFP?
Prior to taking action to facilitate an eligible project, the Secretary of Energy must certify, among other issues, that the eligible project is unlikely to be constructed in as timely a manner or with as much transmission capacity in the absence of federal Transmission Facilitation Program (TFP) support, as set forth in 42 U.S.C. 18713 (i)(2). The best fit for this solicitation are projects that are nearly “shovel ready” and are in regions that rely on firm point-to-point transmission. TFP is designed for projects that would otherwise not be constructed without federal financial support. TFP capacity contracts will not include projects that are already fully subscribed or have a fully allocated source of revenue.
Grid Resilience State and Tribal Formula Grants Program (BIL Sec. 40101(d))
- GDO's Grid Resilience State & Tribal Formula Grants Program Page
- NETL's Grid Resilience State & Tribal Formula Grants Program Page
- The frequently asked questions document is available on this page.
Q: How, where, and when can I apply for this funding?
FY24 grant allocation amounts will be published and the FY24 Grid Resilience State and Tribal Formula Grants application and allocation request period will open in January 2024.
FY22/23 grants are still being awarded on a rolling basis. Applications for FY22 and FY23 are now closed.
Q. What are the next steps for 40101(d)?
FY24 application and allocation request period will open in January 2024.
FY22/23 grants will continue to be distributed on a rolling basis to eligible entities that applied.
Q: When will the grant cycle open for eligible entities to apply for funding through the states?
Each State or Tribe will determine its own process for distribution of funds by preparing a plan that will be adopted after notice and a public hearing and described in the Program Narrative, as described in Section 40101(d)(2)(B).
Grid Resilience Utility and Industry Grants (BIL Sec. 40101(c))
Q: How, where, and when can I apply for this funding?
On November 14, 2023, the Biden-Harris Administration announced up to $3.9 billion available through the second round funding opportunity of the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program for Fiscal Years 2024 and 2025.
Q: How much funding is available in FY24 and FY25?
For FY24 and FY25, there is $918 million available through the Grid Resilience Industry and Utility Grants.
Q: Are tribal utilities considered tribes (15% cost share) or entities (50% cost share) under 40101?
A tribal utility is a separate and distinct entity from a Tribe and would be responsible for 100% cost share or 1/3 cost share if it is considered a "small utility."
Q: What are the next steps for the Grid Resilience Utility and Industry Grants?
Concept papers are a required first step in the application process and are due at 5:00 p.m. ET on January 12, 2024.
Q: How, where, and when can I apply for this funding?
On November 14, 2023, the Biden-Harris Administration announced up to $3.9 billion available through the second round funding opportunity of the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program for Fiscal Years 2024 and 2025.
Q: How much funding is available in FY24 and FY25?
For FY24 and FY25, there is $1.08 million available through Smart Grid Grants.
Q: What are the next steps for the Smart Grid Grants?
Concept papers are a required first step in the application process and are due at 5:00 p.m. ET on January 12, 2024.
Q: How, where, and when can I apply for this funding?
On November 14, 2023, the Biden-Harris Administration announced up to $3.9 billion available through the second round funding opportunity of the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program for Fiscal Years 2024 and 2025.
Q: How much funding is available in FY24 and FY25?
For FY24 and FY25, there is $1.82 million available through the Grid Innovation Program.
Q. What are the next steps for the Grid Innovation Program?
Concept papers are a required first step in the application process and are due at 5:00 p.m. ET on January 12, 2024
Transmission Facility Financing Program (IRA Sec. 50151)
Coming Soon.
Transmission Siting and Economic Development Grant Program (IRA Sec. 50152)
Q: How, where, and when can I apply for this funding?
Access the FOA through Clean Energy Infrastructure eXCHANGE.
DOE requires applicants to express an interest in applying for funds by submitting concept papers. The deadline for concept papers, a required step in the application process, has been extended to November 17, 2023, at 5 p.m. ET.
The deadline for full applications remains April 5, 2024, at 5 p.m. ET.
Q: What are the next steps for the Transmission Siting and Economic Development (TSED) Grant Program?
DOE anticipates notifying initial award recipients in the Summer of 2024. Applicants who are not selected in the initial round of funding are welcome to apply again in any future round.
Two additional application phases will be held in Summer 2024 and Fall 2025. DOE intends to accept a second round of concept papers in August 2024, with full applications due Winter 2024-2025, and a third round of concept papers in Fall 2025, full applications due Winter 2025-2026.
Resources & FAQs for Other DOE Programs
Loan Programs Office (LPO): Transmission Loans
Contact Information
- Email: LPO@hq.doe.gov
- Prospective applicants begin the consultation process by emailing LPO with the subject line containing the prospective applicant's name and 'Request for Consultation.'
- Phone: (202) 586-8336
Q: How, where, and when can I apply for this funding?
The LPO loan process is outlined on LPO's Application Process page and the application period is ongoing. Additional resources and guidance are available on the Applicant Resources page.
Western Area Power Administration (WAPA): Transmission Infrastructure Program (TIP)
Contact Information
- Email: TIP@wapa.gov
- Phone: (720) 962-7710
Q: How, where, and when can I apply for this funding?
The TIP application process is outlined on TIP's Project Development page. You may also reach out to WAPA directly at the email and phone number above.
Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED): Energy Improvement in Rural or Remote Areas
Q: How, where, and when can I apply for this funding?
The Phase 2 submissions deadline for the ERC Prize will be in July 2024. The exact deadline date will be posted on the ERC’s webpage. Only Phase One winners of the ERC Prize are eligible to compete in ERC’s Phase Two.
For DE-FOA-0002970, the full application deadline closed on August 2, 2023.
For DE-FOA-0003045, the full application deadline is October 12, 2023. Only those applicants who submitted a pre-application and are invited to submit a full application are eligible to submit a full application.