Maryland, New Jersey, New Mexico and Rhode Island to Work on Adapting the Grid to Clean Energy, Electrification and Energy Resilience Trends
The National Governors Association (NGA) announced it will provide assistance to Maryland, New Jersey, New Mexico and Rhode Island to modernize their electric power grids, addressing topics such as integrating clean energy and electric vehicle charging networks, electrifying the heating sector, and improving system resilience.
The U.S. electric power system is evolving. Renewable energy generation has more than doubled since 2000 and smart meters are now in use by more than half of U.S. energy customers. Electric vehicle adoption is growing, as is the transition to home heating electrification. Meanwhile grid resilience is being challenged by aging infrastructure, more frequent and intense weather events and increasing physical and cyber threats.
In the face of these changes, governors are looking for solutions to update their state’s infrastructure. After a competitive application process, NGA will work with governor-designated teams fromthe four selected states to advance one or more grid modernization objectives proposed by their governors.
NGA’s technical assistance will include policy consultations with NGA staff, in-state retreats and follow-up support. Through the retreats, each state team will develop and move forward on a detailed action plan to advance the grid modernization policy objectives identified in their applications.
These efforts are coordinated through a cooperative agreement between NGA and the U.S. Department of Energy to develop and deploy effective, resilient grid modernization and planning strategies. The Department of Energy is providing financial support, as well as technical expertise and assistance.
“Modernizing our electric power grid infrastructure is a critical step forward in creating a path toward clean and renewable energy,” said New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. “This partnership will support our broader effort to ensure New Jersey’s clean energy future and create a sustainable environment for future generations.”
“This exciting opportunity from the NGA reinforces that New Mexico is leading the nation in forward-thinking energy policy and modernization,” New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham said. “This initiative will support recent steps forward that we have taken in New Mexico, including a landmark renewable energy law and new electric vehicle framework legislation.” “Grid modernization is a complex issue that will require diverse perspectives to combat. By engaging with a wide array of experts and studying the best practices Rhode Island will be better prepared to build a cleaner, stronger and more cost-efficient energy grid. I look forward to collaborating with the NGA’s policy experts on productive, lasting solutions for Rhode Island,” said Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo.
