Transforming Transmission: Transmission Siting and Economic Development (TSED) Grants

Across the country, the electric grid is under unprecedented pressure to deliver more power than ever before. From extreme weather to rising demand, our power systems face increasing challenges. To meet those challenges, regions, utilities, and communities are investing in new and upgraded infrastructure. This infrastructure can span hundreds of miles, involving environmental and siting complexities. How then can we ensure that the communities benefit from where the infrastructure is being built and have a say in decision-making processes? With 22 billion dollars in funding, the U.S. Department of Energy's Grid Deployment Office uses a number of financing tools and has launched a multi-million dollar program to support tribal, state, and local communities affected by these transmission projects. The Transmission Siting and Economic Development Program, or TSED, is a 760 million dollar initiative dedicated to supporting communities affected by the construction or upgrades of high voltage interstate or offshore electricity transmission lines. For example, the TSED program provides grants to communities for public infrastructure upgrades and even wildlife sanctuary improvements. It is empowering state and local agencies to make well-informed decisions on how the project can benefit the community. It equips communities to establish job training programs, ensuring local transmission jobs are filled by community members. The program isn't just about infrastructure, it's about community enrichment. From community funding to mitigate impacts of new transmission projects, to supporting under-resourced state and local siting authorities, every TSED project is intended to be by and for the communities it serves, so that the infrastructure making up our nation's power grid is built in a way that serves everyone, from the transmission tower to the light switch. To learn more about TSED and how to apply, as well as other ways DOE's Grid Deployment Office is advancing our nation's grid, please visit energy.gov slash gdo slash tsed.