RPU to Receive DOE Funding to Study Ways to Improve the Nation’s Power Grid

From RiversidePublicUtilities.com:

Riverside Public Utilities (RPU) was recently selected by the Department of Energy (DOE) to receive funding to support research and development that will help create a blueprint for updating the U.S. electric grid.

“We’re looking forward to working with our DOE partners and implementing projects that will be beneficial to both our customer-owners in Riverside, and energy providers and customers nationwide,” said RPU General Manager Girish Balachandran.

Riverside is among several public power providers selected to implement the DOE’s Grid Modernization Initiative (GMI), a comprehensive effort to help shape the future of the nation’s power grid and solve the challenges of integrating conventional and renewable sources with energy storage and smart buildings, while ensuring that the grid is resilient and secure to withstand growing cybersecurity and climate challenges.

The DOE last month announced that up to $220 million will be provided over the next three years to a consortium of National Labs and utility partners to fund critical research and development that addresses the needs of incorporating grid technologies, like solar or energy storage, but also develop projects that have an impact across multiple technologies.

For RPU, the studies coincide with their own Utility 2.0 plans for the future which recently received conceptual approval from Riverside’s City Council.

For additional information please visit RiversidePublicUtilities.com