Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity Incentives
Federal Agency
Sub-Department
Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE)
Purpose
To incentivize owners and operators of hydroelectric facilities for capital improvements related to maintaining and enhancing hydroelectricity generation by improving grid resiliency, improving dam safety, and environmental improvements.
Applicant and/or Project Eligibility Requirements
An owner or authorized operator of an existing facility that is licensed or has received an exemption from licensing from FERC pursuant to the Federal Power Act or is a hydroelectric project constructed, operated, or maintained pursuant to a permit or valid existing right-of-way granted prior to June 10, 1920, or a license granted pursuant to the Federal Power Act prior to November 15, 2021, may apply for incentive payments for maintaining and enhancing its facility.
Decarbonization Considerations
Hydroelectric power generation can, in certain areas, provide carbon-free baseload power for communities. Optimized generation facilities can generate more power with less waste.
Equity Considerations
Hydroelectric facilities should be supported with regard to up- and downstream communities, as well as natural ecosystems and neighborhoods that might be (dis)affected by generation activities. Planning and engagement should be conducted to clearly communicate and/or mitigate potential negative impacts that would disproportionally affect underserved communities.
Helpful Tips
If interested, check the application guidance here: https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/247-Final-Guidance_Modification_0001-0007_6-13-23.pdf
Other Notes
$553,600,000 in funding available until expended. On September 5, 2024, the Grid Deployment Office announced the selection of 293 capital improvement projects for negotiations across 33 states to receive over $430 million in Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity Incentive payments. See the full list of selected entities: https://www.energy.gov/gdo/section-247-maintaining-and-enhancing-hydroelectricity-incentives-selections