On Tuesday, Maryland introduced a new grant program aimed at boosting electric resilience, allocating $15 million for improvements that officials say are vital in reducing power outages and advancing the state’s clean energy objectives.
The program, called the Resilient Infrastructure for Sustainable Energy (Maryland RISE), is now open for applications from utilities and stakeholders involved in the power industry. Approximately $13 million of the funding comes from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, with the availability of awards dependent on funding.
Maryland Energy Administration Director Paul Pinsky emphasized the urgent need for a dependable electric grid, stating, “Our grid is battered and getting worse,” particularly as demand for electricity increases and storms become more frequent and severe due to climate change.
Eligible projects under this grant program include initiatives for weatherization, fire-resistant technologies, as well as monitoring and control systems. Other acceptable activities involve undergrounding electrical components, managing utility poles, relocating power lines, and implementing vegetation management strategies. Distributed energy resources, like microgrids and battery storage systems, are also eligible, while funds cannot be used for cybersecurity or large-scale battery construction unless used for enhancing adaptive capacity during disruptions.
Applications must be submitted to the Maryland Energy Administration by January 21. Funding will be distributed in two phases, with consideration given to those entities selling more or less than 4 million MWh annually to Maryland customers.
Maryland is committed to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, aiming for a 60% drop from 2006 levels by 2031, and has set a goal for a 100% clean electric grid by 2035.