Part of the Grid Resilience Innovation Partnership (GRIP) programs, Smart Grid Grants is designed to increase the flexibility, efficiency, and reliability of the electric power system, with particular focus on:

• Increasing transmission capacity and operational transfer capacity: Grid enhancing technologies such as dynamic line rating, flow control devices, advanced conductors, and network topology optimization, to improve system efficiency and reliability.
• Improving the visibility of the electrical system to grid operators: Help quickly rebalance the electrical system with autonomous controls through data analytics, software, and sensors.
• Enhance secure communication and data flow between distribution components: Investments in optical ground wire, dark fiber, operational fiber, and wireless broadband communications networks.
• Aggregation and integration of distributed energy resources and other “grid-edge” devices to: Provide system benefits, such as renewable energy resources, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, vehicle-to-grid technologies and capabilities, and smart building technologies.
• Enhancing interoperability and data architecture of systems: Support two-way flow of both electric power and localized analytics to provide information between electricity system operators and consumers.
• Anticipate and mitigate the impacts of extreme weather or natural disaster on grid resiliency: Investments to increase the ability to redirect or shut off power to minimize blackouts, prevent wildfires, and avoid further damage.

Smart grid technologies funded and deployed at scale through this program must demonstrate a pathway to wider market adoption.

• Others (see text field entitled "Additional Eligibility Criteria" for clarification)