Governor and Energy Assistant Secretary Tout Investments into State’s Grid

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Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Governor and Energy Assistant Secretary Tout Investments into State's Grid

FREMONT, NE - Today, Governor Jim Pillen touted investments to Nebraska's energy grid during a news conference with Assistant Secretary Katie Jereza of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Electricity. In addition to announcing additional federal funding resources, Gov. Pillen and Asst. Sec. Jereza joined Director Jesse Bradley of the Department of Water, Energy, and Environment (DWEE) and Fremont Mayor Dev Sookram in recognizing local projects that benefited through the Grid Resilience State and Tribal Formula Grant program.

The program, which is administered by DWEE, provides funding to modernize critical energy infrastructure, lower electricity costs, and strengthen America's power grid. Over the first three years of the program, the state has received $15.7 million and received an additional $9.28 million combined for the program's last two years.

"Reliable electricity is essential to Nebraska's families, farms, businesses, and communities," said Gov. Pillen. "Strengthening the infrastructure that delivers that electricity helps protect public safety and supports our state's economic future."

"A strong and dependable grid is the backbone of American economic prosperity," said Asst. Sec. Jereza. "This funding will help Americans across the country, including our tribal partners, optimize their electricity systems and prepare for future growth while strengthening energy security and deploying technologies that lower the long-term cost of delivering reliable power."

Through the Grid Resiliency program, DWEE has awarded more than $13.8 million among 14 Nebraska communities and public power districts. Combined with more than $12.3 million in matching funds, these projects represent $26 million in grid infrastructure investments.

Awarded projects include replacing old poles and transformers, improving substations, installing stronger and more efficient transmission lines, and using new technology to better monitor and manage the flow of electricity.

"These investments address specific local risks and impact communities across Nebraska," said Dir. Bradley "Our goal is to help utilities prevent avoidable outages, limit the impact of disruptions, and restore service more quickly for the communities they serve."

The City of Fremont received $1.9 million in Grid Resiliency funds to relocate one of its 69kV transmission circuits to eliminate a double-circuited power supply. The upgrade included storm mitigation-based design standards using upgraded poles and conductors. The city provided $3.1 million in local matching funds for the project.

"This grant is helping Fremont strengthen our electric system by reducing the risk of storm-related outages and providing more flexibility for maintenance. By moving a transmission line onto its own route and using stronger materials, we can better protect the reliable service our residents and businesses depend on," explained Mayor Sookram. "We appreciate DOE and the state's partnership in making these improvements possible for our community."

Nebraska's additional funding allocation will provide an opportunity to build on the projects already taking place across Nebraska and support further grid resilience improvements.

"Nebraska utilities understand the challenges that severe storms, high winds, and ice place on their systems. These investments help communities prepare before the next storm and recover more quickly when disruptions occur," noted Gov. Pillen. "We appreciate the DOE's partnership and the commitment of Nebraska's utilities, local leaders, engineers and utility workers. Together, we are investing in dependable electricity and stronger Nebraska communities."

Gov. Pillen addresses attendees at news conference touting investments through the Grid Resilience State and Tribal Formula Grant program.

Asst. Sec. Jereza addresses attendees at news conference touting investments through the Grid Resilience State and Tribal Formula Grant program.

Gov. Pillen, Asst. Sec. Jereza, Director Bradley and Mayor Sookram stand with representatives from public power utilities and news conference attendees