More than $14 million secured to improve Montana’s power grid
More than $14 million in federal funds is flowing into Montana to improve the state's energy grid.
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USA, Montana: More than $14 million in federal funds is flowing into Montana to improve the state’s energy grid.
The U.S. Department of Energy recently announced a grant of over $14 million to Montana for enhancing the state’s energy grid. This funding, lauded by Sen. Jon Tester’s office, is sourced from the Grid Resilience State and Tribal Formula Grants program, a component of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Tester emphasized the importance of a reliable energy grid for Montana’s small businesses and families. The grant will aid in wildfire prevention and workforce expansion to manage resilience strategies.
A significant use for the funds is to manage vegetation around overhead energy lines, which would help prevent wildfire ignition. Ashley Keltner, a system engineer at Flathead Electric Co-op, highlighted the necessity for utilities to continually fortify their systems, especially given recent windstorms.
The grant facilitates collaboration between the state and awardees on various projects, such as bolstering infrastructure, acquiring new equipment and software, or implementing organizational changes to counteract the dangers posed by wildfires, winter storms, and other severe events.
However, Patrick Barkey, director of the Bureau of Business and Economic Research at the University of Montana, raised concerns regarding the sufficiency of the funds in truly addressing the state’s infrastructure needs. Barkey, who recently spoke on the lagging growth in electricity infrastructure compared to demand, stressed the essential maintenance of Montana’s energy lines. He cited the recent Maui wildfires, triggered by a fallen tree on a powerline, as a cautionary tale. Barkey hopes that the grant will prioritize vegetation management around energy lines. Senator Tester’s office reaffirmed the grant’s intention to modernize and secure Montana’s energy grid.
Source: Energy Central