Governor Hochul announces new $12 million funding round to boost innovation in New York’s Electric Grid Technology

New York – In a bold move to strengthen the backbone of New York’s clean energy infrastructure, Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that $12 million in new funding is now available to support the development and deployment of innovative technologies aimed at modernizing the state’s electric grid. The funding will be used to advance ideas that improve how renewable energy sources—such as wind and solar—are delivered and integrated into the grid, while also ensuring the reliability and resilience of New York’s power system.

The investment is part of a broader push by the state to make its energy grid smarter, more flexible, and more capable of meeting growing energy demand. The funding is being offered through the Grid Enhancing Technologies (GETs) program, which is administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).

“New York is making grid modernization a priority, and continues to advance the latest technologies that can help to meet the growing energy needs of the state,” Governor Hochul said in the official announcement. “This investment will bring forward new solutions that strengthen the resiliency and reliability of our energy system while helping ensure New Yorkers continue to have clean electricity when they need it most.”

A Targeted Call for Innovation

The GETs program is seeking proposals from companies, researchers, and energy innovators to develop and demonstrate grid-enhancing products or conduct focused studies. The maximum award is $3 million for product development or demonstration projects, and up to $400,000 for individual research studies. In order to qualify, proposals must demonstrate a clear plan to move their technology toward commercial readiness and must address potential market risks and barriers.

Cost sharing is also a requirement—product development and demonstration projects must include a 50 percent cost share, while studies must include at least a 25 percent contribution from the applicant.

This funding will be focused on three key areas of electric grid innovation:

• Transmission Utilization Improvements such as advanced conductors and modern infrastructure
• Inverter-Based Resource Integration which includes solutions for stability, protection systems, and long-term grid planning
• Operational Situational Awareness with a focus on operator decision-making tools, AI-driven analytics, improved maintenance techniques, and reliability assessments

Proposals must be submitted by July 15, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. ET. Full application guidelines and submission details are available on NYSERDA’s website.

Building a Smarter, More Reliable Grid

NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris emphasized the importance of preparing New York’s electric grid for a future driven by renewable power. “Ensuring New Yorkers can increasingly rely on renewable energy as part of an expanding electric grid requires us to develop new, innovative ways to transfer electricity to homes and businesses,” she said. “With this funding, we will continue to foster public-private partnerships that drive toward the adoption of cutting-edge products and solutions that are essential to building a smarter, higher-performing electric grid.”

The initiative was developed in collaboration with key stakeholders in the energy industry, including the Joint Utilities of New York, which includes Con Edison, Central Hudson Gas & Electric, National Grid, New York State Electric and Gas, Rochester Gas & Electric, and Orange & Rockland. These utility companies serve over 13 million homes, businesses, and government buildings across the state, making them crucial players in the modernization of the electric system.

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Department of Public Service CEO Rory M. Christian praised the funding initiative, saying, “Kudos to Governor Hochul and the NYSERDA team for funding public-private partnerships that spur the creation and adoption of cutting-edge technology that is needed to create a more efficient electric grid.”

Continuing a Legacy of Grid Innovation

This latest announcement builds upon the success of earlier efforts by the state to modernize its energy systems. The GETs program evolved from what was formerly known as the Future Grid Challenge, a key part of NYSERDA’s broader Grid Modernization program. Since 2016, the program has distributed approximately $65 million to over 110 technology firms and research institutions working to advance power grid tools such as high-accuracy sensors, simulation software, and advanced engineering methods.

New York’s long-term investment in clean energy innovation is substantial. Through its Innovation and Research program, NYSERDA is directing about $1.2 billion over a 15-year span to support direct research investments and help bring clean energy products to market. So far, more than $800 million has already supported over 700 companies and resulted in nearly 300 clean energy technologies becoming commercially available.

The current $12 million GETs funding round will serve as the next chapter in this ongoing effort to help New York transition toward an energy future that is more sustainable, secure, and equitable.

Advancing the State’s Climate Goals

This investment is also a cornerstone of New York’s ambitious climate goals. Under the state’s comprehensive climate agenda, New York is committed to achieving a fully emissions-free economy by 2050. This includes overhauling energy generation, building systems, transportation, and waste management. The state is particularly focused on making the transition just and equitable, with at least 35 percent of the benefits from clean energy programs targeted toward disadvantaged communities.

The $12 million in funding will be drawn from the Clean Energy Fund (CEF), which is the financial foundation for many of the state’s environmental and energy initiatives.

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By focusing on technological innovation, public-private collaboration, and a forward-thinking strategy for integrating renewable energy, New York is positioning itself as a national leader in the transition to a clean energy economy. The latest funding announcement reflects a growing recognition that tomorrow’s electric grid must be far more dynamic and adaptable than the systems of the past.

As the July deadline approaches, all eyes will be on the companies and research teams that step up to the challenge of designing the next generation of tools for powering New York—cleanly, reliably, and efficiently.