In a bold move to bolster its electric infrastructure, Maryland has unveiled a $15 million electric resilience competitive grant program aimed not only at curbing power outages but also at advancing the state’s clean energy goals and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Known as the Resilient Infrastructure for Sustainable Energy (Maryland RISE), the program invites essential stakeholders—such as utilities, bulk power system operators, and other power-industry professionals—to apply for funding. This initiative is primarily supported through the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, reflecting a broader alignment with national priorities in infrastructure enhancement and climate action. By focusing on reducing the grid’s vulnerability to extreme weather events and rising electricity demands, Maryland is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable energy resiliency.
Eligible projects under the Maryland RISE program encompass a range of grid resilience activities that are critical for ensuring reliable energy supply. These include weatherization, the introduction of fire-resistant technologies, undergrounding electrical equipment, utility pole management, and the deployment of non-generation distributed energy resources like microgrids and battery storage. However, it is important to note that the grant funds are designated specifically to enhance system resilience and are not applicable for cybersecurity measures, the development of new generation facilities, or large-scale battery storage that does not directly contribute to the grid’s adaptive capacity during disruptions. This targeted approach ensures that every dollar spent contributes directly to making Maryland’s electric grid more robust and resilient.
Supporting Sustainable Energy Goals
Maryland has launched an ambitious $15 million electric resilience competitive grant program called Resilient Infrastructure for Sustainable Energy (Maryland RISE). This initiative is designed to curb power outages, advance the state’s clean energy goals, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Essential stakeholders, including utilities, bulk power system operators, and other power-industry professionals, are encouraged to apply for funding. The program leverages support from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, aligning with national goals for infrastructure improvement and climate action.
Maryland RISE focuses on reducing the grid’s vulnerability by funding projects that ensure a reliable energy supply. Eligible projects include weatherization, fire-resistant technologies, undergrounding electrical equipment, utility pole management, and non-generation distributed energy resources like microgrids and battery storage. However, the funds are specifically earmarked for system resilience enhancements, not for cybersecurity measures, new generation facilities, or large-scale battery storage that does not directly aid the grid’s adaptability during disruptions. This targeted funding approach aims to fortify Maryland’s electric grid, making it more robust and resilient.