I am excited and pleased to announce the launch of the “Electricity Industry Technology and Practices Innovation Challenge,” a new contest that seeks innovative ideas on how existing procedures and practices can be modified or replaced to improve grid operations.  Recognizing that America is defined by its innovation and “can do” approach to solving the challenges of today and tomorrow, we are asking innovators to submit their ideas for developing technologies and solutions that can address new and evolving vulnerabilities, counter emerging threats, and mitigate cross-sector dependencies.  A total of $1 million will be awarded to up to 25 selectees.    

As with all of our initiatives, the goal of this Challenge is to make the backbone of American society – the nation’s electric grid – stronger and more resilient.  As I often note, a secure and resilient electric grid is vital to national security, a strong economy, and the services that Americans depend on every day.  The Office of Electricity (OE) works closely with private industry and Federal, state, local, and tribal governments on a variety of initiatives to modernize the electric grid and enhance key characteristics of the U.S. electric transmission and distribution systems. 

Experience has shown us that innovation leads to continued progress in making the grid more secure and resilient.  New ideas are vital to ensuring that the nation’s critical energy infrastructure, including the electricity grid, is secure and able to recover rapidly from disruptions now and in the future.

Are you up to the Challenge?  Learn more about the Electricity Industry Technology and Practices Innovation Challenge HERE.  The deadline for submitting applications is April 30, 2019.  Potential participants must register by April 26, 2019 to receive access to the Challenge Submission Portal.