The Grid Resilience State and Tribal Formula Grants program (Section 40101(d)), authorized by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, helps strengthen and modernize the power grid to withstand wildfires, extreme weather and other natural disasters. In 2024, Commerce awarded state funds to a diverse set of projects, with priority given to efforts that generate the greatest community benefit by providing clean, affordable, and reliable energy, and reducing the frequency and duration of power outages.
Washington Grid Resilience Program
In the Fall 2025 application round, nine sub-recipient applications totaling $17.1 million in funding requests were selected to advance to the U.S. Department of Energy for approval. To see the sub-recipients selected for funding, read the May 2026 news release.
In the Fall 2024 application round, 18 sub-recipient applications, totaling a funding request of $23.5 million in funding were selected for sub-awards. These projects have since been approved by the U.S. Department of Energy under this funding opportunity. To see the list of projects funded under the Fall 2024 funding opportunity, see the April 2025 news release.
To date, all available funding for the Washington Grid Resilience Program has been awarded to the selected sub-awardees. We’re waiting for additional information regarding the final two federal fiscal years of funding for the Grid Resilience State and Tribal Formula Grants Program.
Who is eligible?
Eligible entities for awards include electric grid operators, electricity storage operators, electricity generators, transmission owners or operators, distribution providers, fuel suppliers and other applicants approved by DOE.
Electric utilities of all sizes are eligible for this funding. Small utilities will have 40% of the funding reserved for their projects, while 60% will be open to utilities of any size.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) defines small utilities as having retail sales of less than 4,000,000 MWh per year. Applicants can use the reported information from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) Annual Electric Power Industry Report to determine whether their utility is eligible. Additional information for Washington-specific utilities can also be found in the Washington State Electric Utility Resource Planning 2022 Report.
Projects that increase the reliability and resiliency of power grids are eligible for funding. Projects must improve the reliability and resilience of the grid against disruptive events, such as extreme weather, wildfires and/or natural disasters. Some examples of eligible projects include fire-resistant technologies and fire prevention systems, the undergrounding of electrical equipment, utility pole management, projects that enhance system adaptive capacity, etc.
To view the full list of eligible projects, see the Request for Applications (RFA). Other measures as determined or approved by DOE. All applications must be reviewed and approved by DOE before the final award is made.
The most competitive projects will accomplish, at a minimum, one of the following:
- Reduce the number of customers impacted by outages
- Reduce the frequency of electricity service disruptions
- Reduce the duration of outages
How to apply
The Clean Grid team will publish a Request for Applications (RFA) for each funding opportunity when it opens. The RFA will outline eligibility guidelines, evaluation criteria, and instructions for applying. Commerce will hold a pre-application conference before applications are due for each funding round to answer questions. Questions will also be accepted by email.
Applicants only need to submit one application per project to apply for grant funding, and they may submit applications for multiple projects.
When to apply
Applications are not open at this time. Continue to check this website for updates or subscribe to the Energy Programs in Communities (EPIC) updates using the “Subscribe” option on this page.
Technical assistant opportunities
Application assistance
Grid Resilience Technical Assistance Program
Commerce’s Energy Resilience and Emergency Response Office (EREMO) is offering free technical assistance to applicants and grantees of this program. You can request technical assistance from EREMO by submitting this intake form.
Federal Funding Grant Writing Assistance Program (FFGWAP)
In partnership with Hagerty Consulting, Commerce launched the Federal Funding Grant Writing Assistance Program, designed for Washington community-based organizations, local government agencies, ports, housing authorities, tribes, businesses, and others eligible to receive federal funds to prepare and submit grant applications. Learn more about FFGWAP.