REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS

Grid Modernization Program

The State of New Mexico, Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD) Energy Conservation and Management Division (ECAM) is requesting applications pursuant to 17.9.588 New Mexico Administrative Code (NMAC), Grid Modernization Grant Program (Program), from government entities for grid modernization projects to assist New Mexico in developing a modern electric grid that transitions the state to 100-percent zero-carbon electricity resources.

Grid modernization projects are those that make improvements to electric distribution or transmission infrastructure to accommodate or facilitate the integration of renewable electric generation resources with the electric distribution grid or otherwise enhance electric distribution or transmission grid reliability, grid security, demand response capability, customer service or energy efficiency or conservation.

Eligible Applicants include municipalities and county governments; state agencies; state universities; public schools; post-secondary education institutions; and Indian nations, tribes, and pueblos.  All projects must take place within New Mexico.

Projects must fit within one of three types.

Type 1: projects are original research projects that advance the state’s understanding and appreciation of grid function, reliability, resilience, security and operation as it relates to the integration of renewable and zero-carbon resources, including impacts on customer behavior, operations and maintenance costs or the value of specific grid technologies;

Type 2 projects consist of pre-construction or design activities to support grid modernization construction/installation projects;

Type 3 projects involve construction, installation, operation and verification of a grid modernization technology at a project site.

ECAM may fund all three types of projects proposed by one entity.

Questions concerning this NOFO should be submitted electronically in writing with “GRID MOD NOFO” in the subject header to:

Chadette Pfaff
EMNRD, ECAM
1220 South St. Francis Drive
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505
Chadette.pfaff@emnrd.nm.gov

A preproposal conference will be held October 7, 2025, 11 a.m. MDT. On Microsoft Teams

Meeting ID: 239 916 704 089 6

Passcode: 9xw7jT9r
Dial in by phone
+1 505-312-4308,,752484507# United States, Albuquerque
Find a local number
Phone conference ID: 752 484 507#

Written answers to those questions will be posted to this page.  Applications will be accepted on a monthly rolling basis beginning November 1, 2025 until all the available funds are allocated. ECAM may award multiple agreements under this NOFO.  To be considered for funding, applications must be complete and must demonstrate that the project will meet all of the stipulated evaluation criteria.