How federal grants are helping fund the future of reliable, clean energy

Jay’s answer: PGE is involved in approximately $470 million in grant funding as a direct awardee, sub-recipient, or in benefits to our customers via reduced project costs. These grants represent a total value of over $2 billion. PGE was the leading utility in the nation in securing grant funds through the first round of applications put out by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

Bill’s answer: The first aspect of our strategy was for PGE to see this as an unprecedented opportunity for our customers. PGE had an “all-in” approach very early, which made us a competitive applicant for opportunities that aligned with our company priorities.

Jay’s answer: Our strategy from the beginning has been to look at all opportunities open to electrical utilities under the IIJA and IRA bills and develop applications that align with DOE requirements and objectives for our customers. Our success has been in building strong partnerships and compelling projects from both a technical and community benefits perspective.

Bill’s answer: PGE is facing many challenges and opportunities – presented by our customers, regulators and other stakeholders – that require us to manage the electrical grid in new ways. These opportunities require a significant amount of investment in clean energy technology, green jobs, and the reliability of our infrastructure. Grant funding helps offset the cost pressures on our customers as we make these necessary investments.

Jay’s answer: All of these grants support a reliable clean energy future. Significant investments are required to modernize the electrical grid so that we can integrate distributed energy resources, such as customer-owned solar panels, battery storage systems, and electric vehicles. By securing grant funding, PGE is able to reduce the cost to customers of enabling this future.

Jay’s answer: PGE has directed millions of dollars from these grants toward benefiting underserved communities across Oregon, with a particular focus on developing a diverse, inclusive clean energy workforce. We are supporting new Artificial Intelligence training opportunities with partners in elementary and high school programs, providing engineering internships and funding research programs in universities, and developing new curriculum in partnership with the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. All of these efforts help reduce barriers to the clean energy sector for populations historically underrepresented in our industry.

Jay’s answer: They are all interesting and important, but the one grant that I was especially excited to receive is for our Bethel-Round Butte transmission project. The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs was the prime applicant and the main recipient, which means the $250 million grant directly benefits the Tribes and its members. This grant is a catalyst for the Tribes to continue developing its energy leadership in our region and unlocking its potential to build additional renewable energy resources on the Warm Springs Reservation. These projects will offer economic opportunity for Tribal members and their families.

Bill’s answer: All the grants are unique and can have significant impacts on our customers and the environment. The Grid Edge grant will allow us to manage distributed energy resources, like EVs and home batteries. The Hydrogen Hub has the potential to create a new type of clean energy resource for the country. The Wheatridge grant could help us improve grid management for intermittent renewable resources like wind and solar.

However, I agree with Jay that the Bethel-Round Butte grant will not only improve PGE’s access to renewable energy, but also bring opportunities to the Warm Springs Reservation that could truly exceed our imagination.

Bill’s answer: The change in leadership at the federal level may result in some changes to how grant programs are administered moving forward, and there are still a lot of open questions. For grants we’ve already been awarded, now it’s up to us to execute them.

As for the future, PGE will continue to develop partnerships, evaluate new grant opportunities, and apply for them, as long as they fit with our customer and company priorities.