COLUMBUS, OHIO – In a move aimed at enhancing the resilience of Ohio’s electric grid, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) has greenlit the submission of subaward applications totaling $11.4 million to the US Department of Energy (DOE) for seven crucial grants under its Grid Resilience Formula Grant Program. While the US DOE will ultimately decide on the allocation of funds, PUCO’s recommendation marks a significant step forward in bolstering the state’s energy infrastructure.
The grants, tailored to address key vulnerabilities and improve reliability, encompass a range of projects across Ohio. Among the notable recipients are AEP Ohio, slated to receive $3,788,413 for initiatives focusing on undergrounding distribution lines and implementing cable spacer technology to mitigate vegetation-related outages in Athens, Chillicothe, Canton, and Columbus. Similarly, Duke Energy Ohio is set to receive $3,594,640 for critical transmission and distribution line enhancements in Butler County, including the implementation of self-healing grid technology to enhance resilience.
In a statement, PUCO Chair Jenifer French emphasized the significance of these awards in fortifying Ohio’s electric grid, asserting, “These awards will assist in contributing to a resilient and reliable electric grid across Ohio.”
Importantly, successful subawardees will be required to fulfill cash match obligations tailored to the size of the utility, ensuring a collaborative investment in grid resilience. Applicants must demonstrate how their proposed projects will bolster electric reliability and serve the local community, with a particular focus on disadvantaged communities, as outlined by the US DOE.
Administering the Grid Resilience Formula Grant Program for Ohio, PUCO remains committed to fostering energy infrastructure improvements that benefit communities statewide. Additional information regarding these applications is accessible on the PUCO website at PUCO.ohio.gov/IIJA.
For those interested in reviewing today’s developments, a copy of the entry is available on the PUCO website at www.PUCO.ohio.gov, accessible via the Docketing Information System (DIS) by searching for case 22-755-AU-COI.
