The North Dakota Industrial Commission approved Otter Tail Power Company to be a sub-recipient of approximately $4.4 million in state-allocated Department of Energy (DOE) Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) grant funding on Monday, Dec. 18. 

“As our customer needs evolve, we do as well by transitioning to new technologies and options to help deliver reliable and cost-effective electricity,” said Otter Tail Power Asset Management Vice President JoAnn Thompson. “We’re delighted with the recommendation as our Next-Generation Grid Resiliency program will bring benefits not only to our customers but to electric customers throughout North Dakota.”

Otter Tail Power’s Next-Generation Grid Resiliency program focuses on the latest in grid technology and will improve electric grid resiliency. It includes four major components: pole integrity, intelligent vegetation management, drone- and artificial intelligence-enhanced transmission line inspections and repairs, and advanced substation assessments and repairs.

Increased grid resilience 

The economic costs that power interruptions impose on businesses and residences can be significant. Otter Tail Power’s Next-Generation Grid Resiliency program will provide increased awareness of electric grid conditions and enable new and more efficient processes to reduce the magnitude, duration, and frequency of grid outages. 

“This grant funding allows us to lower the costs of grid enhancements for customers while continuing to provide low-cost, reliable energy,” said Thompson. “If approved for funding by the DOE, our Next-Generation Grid Resiliency program costs will be reduced by approximately 40 percent.”

Grant funds are pending DOE approval in early 2024. If approved, Otter Tail Power would provide an additional $6.7 million to complete the program over the next two years.