The Feeder of the Future Prize, which encourages grid system feeder and circuit designs, is now open for submissions to meet power delivery demands.
September 17, 2025
minute read time
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Electricity (OE) today launched the $100,000 Feeder of the Future Prize under DOE’s American-Made program. This prize encourages the development of electricity grid system feeder and circuit designs that respond to the evolving demands of power delivery in the 21st century. The deadline to apply is Dec. 4, 2025.
The Feeder of the Future Prize is a single-phase competition in which applicants design advanced distribution system feeders that address current and future energy challenges, including dynamic loads, onsite generation, and distributed devices. The competition consists of three tracks—Rural, Suburban, and Urban—to address the varying characteristics and necessities of power delivery for all U.S. consumers.
In the past, traditional radial feeder designs worked well to meet electricity needs. Now, consumers’ expectations have evolved, as have their capabilities as potential interactive partners in the electric system. Many end-use and grid-side power system devices require communication, introducing additional requirements for cybersecurity and privacy.
New technologies and design techniques have the potential to not only meet the new power requirements but also improve other aspects of distribution system operations. Cost-effective solutions that improve the reliability and maintainability of the components, integrate evolving technologies, and meet the evolving cyber-physical security requirements are needed for the next-generation power system.
The Feeder of the Future Prize offers up to $100,000 total in cash prizes for up to 18 competitors: 10 winners and 8 runners-up. Prize submissions are welcome from all technology innovators, including individuals, small and large businesses, and universities. Follow the prize on HeroX to receive the latest updates.
The American-Made program incentivizes energy technology innovation through prizes, training, teaming, and mentoring, connecting the nation’s entrepreneurs and innovators to DOE’s national laboratories and the private sector.