Electric Grid Modernization Grant Program

Pursuant to the Electric Grid Modernization Roadmap Act of 2020, EMNRD has developed the Grid Modernization Grant Program (17.9.588 NMAC). The program is intended to fund electric grid modernization research and development as New Mexico transitions to a 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

Municipalities and county governments, state agencies, state universities, public schools, post-secondary education institutions, and Indian nations, tribes and pueblos are all eligible to apply. All projects must take place within New Mexico.

Project Types

Typical projects will 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.  ECMD may fund all three types of projects proposed by one entity but will only fund one type per entity per fiscal year.

Application Review and Evaluation

Applications will be accepted annually by June 1 for funding in the following fiscal year.

Applications will be evaluated on the degree to which the assembled team is equipped and capable to do the work, the project’s alignment with the state’s goals for grid modernization, the broader economic impact of the project or insights, and the broader educational potential and value of the project. Applications will also need to demonstrate that projects will not negatively impact, and may benefit, the utility that serves the area in which the project will take place.

If requested, EMNRD will meet with prospective Applicants prior to submission and may also provide feedback to interested Applicants on project ideas if received by March 1.

How to Apply

Annual solicitations can be found at:  https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/ecmd/about-us/requests-for-proposals-applications/

Questions and requests for presentations about the grant program may be directed to emnrd.gridmodernization@emnrd.nm.gov.

Program Success

Learn more about funded projects here.