Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that up to $15 million is available for projects that will help New York improve the resiliency, efficiency, and overall performance of its electric grid to save on energy and costs to combat climate change. Modernizing the grid supports Governor Cuomo's initiative to deploy 1,500 megawatts of energy storage by 2025 and his requirement for half of the state's electricity to come from renewable energy sources by 2030.

"One of the most critical components in our fight against climate change is the modernization of our electric grid," Governor Cuomo said. "I encourage entrepreneurs and clean energy companies to join in New York's mission to lead the nation in protecting the planet by investing in renewable energy and help make our system more resilient against whatever Mother Nature throws our way."

The grid modernization initiative, which is administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, promotes the development of a high performing smart grid that will accommodate a diverse supply of clean energy generation resources, enhance overall electric grid performance, and enable customers to reduce their energy costs, energy consumption, and environmental impacts.

NYSERDA will award projects through a two-step competitive process. Applicants will initially submit concept papers of their proposals for a rigorous evaluation process. Based on those evaluations, a select group of applicants will be invited to submit full proposals for further evaluation. The final proposals selected will receive funding to move forward.

Concept papers will be accepted through July 18, 2018 in one of four categories: research studies, engineering studies, product development, and demonstration projects. Papers should focus on projects that will aid in developing innovative cybersecurity and data analytics or advanced planning, operations, and forecasting tools. Concept papers should also demonstrate how their proposals will advance the state's goal to have 50 percent of its electricity come from renewable resources by 2030.

The funding builds on previous solicitations issued in October 2016 which resulted in $9.6 million being awarded through 22 contracts that focus on smart grid technologies aiding in the analysis of solar interconnections and the integration of energy storage, digital solutions, and advanced sensor applications. Funding is available through the state's 10-year, $5.3 billion Clean Energy Fund. In total, $110 million is dedicated to modernizing New York's electric grid through 2022.

Richard Kauffman, Chairman of Energy and Finance for New York State, said, "Under Governor Cuomo, New York is rebuilding its outdated electric grid enabling it to provide clean, affordable, and reliable energy for New Yorkers from upstate to downstate and we need the private sector to bring some of their best ideas to the table. This initiative builds on the progress we've already made and helps us reach the Governor's ambitious clean energy goals."

Alicia Barton, President and CEO, NYSERDA said, "Integrating clean, renewable energy into a more efficient, high performing grid is critical to New York meeting its ambitious energy goals, but we can't do it alone. Governor Cuomo's vision for modernizing our electric grid, reducing costs for customers, and providing clean and efficient energy for New Yorkers can only become a reality with the help of innovative and forward-thinking ideas from industry participants."

NYSERDA | www.nyserda.ny.gov