Grid Resilience Program
Grid Resilience Program supports Wisconsin utilities and energy operators in strengthening the electric grid and workforce to reduce disruptive outages and benefit disadvantaged communities.
Funder: Public Service Commission of Wisconsin
Due Dates: November 16, 2026 (First questions deadline) | December 17, 2026 (Second questions deadline) | February 22, 2027 (Phase One) | April 12, 2027 (Phase Two)
Funding Amounts: $7,200,901 immediately available, plus an estimated $9,734,907 in conditional funding
Summary: Supports Wisconsin electric-grid resilience projects that reduce disruptive outages, benefit disadvantaged communities, and strengthen the skilled workforce.
Key Information: Projects must be located exclusively in Wisconsin, and cash or in-kind cost match is required.
Description
The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin’s Office of Energy Innovation (OEI) administers this program using Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funding. Round Two supports modernization and hardening of Wisconsin’s electric grid against extreme weather, wildfire, and natural disasters. Its objectives include reducing the frequency and duration of service disruptions in disadvantaged communities and increasing the skilled workforce supporting resilience activities.
The program prioritizes projects demonstrating the greatest community benefit in reducing the likelihood and consequences of disruptive events, whether rural or urban. Applicants must explain workforce development and connections with historically underserved communities. Supported work spans infrastructure protection, monitoring, undergrounding, adaptive protection, and related workforce training. At least 75 percent of the Round Two budget is reserved for small utilities.
