The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), through its State Energy Office, has announced the selection of seven projects aimed at enhancing the resilience of the state’s electric grid. These projects, totaling more than $20 million in funding, are expected to upgrade infrastructure, boost load capacity, and enhance reliability during severe weather conditions.
Reid Wilson, the DEQ Secretary, emphasized the importance of building resilience against increasingly frequent and severe storms, stating, “These investments will help improve the grid’s resilience and reduce outage times.”
The selected projects underwent a competitive application process. The City of Wilson plans to upgrade its grid by strengthening existing infrastructure and ensuring compatibility with high-speed internet access across multiple counties. The Surry-Yadkin Electric Membership Corporation aims to reduce outage times by 35% in its service areas by upgrading transmission and distribution systems. Similarly, the Four County Electric Membership Corporation’s STEEL project in Sampson County will replace outdated wooden utility poles with steel counterparts.
In Hyde County, the Tideland Electric Membership Corporation is set to improve power outage resilience by installing underground electrical lines. Meanwhile, the Fayetteville Public Works Commission plans to replace 480 wooden poles with steel ones to maintain low outage times and costs across Cumberland County.
Duke Energy’s project in the Cherokee area seeks to improve grid automation and resilience, particularly for disadvantaged communities. The City of Gastonia will undertake the SURGE project to strengthen its grid by replacing vulnerable infrastructure and implementing technological upgrades.
According to Julie Woosley, Director of the DEQ State Energy Office, these projects not only aim to bolster the electric grid but also provide community benefits. “While these projects will enhance our grid, they will also benefit our communities by providing access to resilient and reliable energy and workforce development opportunities,” she remarked.
Funding is provided by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Grid Resilience State and Tribal Formula Grants Program, authorized by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Over the next three years, North Carolina is expected to receive annual funding for ongoing grid improvements.
The DEQ’s State Energy Office is committed to ensuring a sustainable energy future, promoting clean energy growth, and reducing utility rates through its various initiatives.
