Executive Summary
Microgrids (localized electric systems that can continue operating when a broader grid is disrupted) could receive expanded federal support under legislation introduced to the Senate. The STRONG GRID Act would make microgrids eligible for Department of Energy State Energy Program funding. It would also support state resilience programs, interconnection procedures, and technical assistance efforts. The bill has been introduced, but has not passed either chamber. If enacted, it would expand federal funding opportunities and support for microgrid deployment.
What Happened
On July 29, 2026, Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) introduced the Supporting Transformative Resilience, Operations, and Next-Generation Grid Innovation Deployment (STRONG GRID) Act. Welch serves as Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit. A bill number was not available at the time of writing. The bill focuses on expanding microgrid deployment, defining microgrids as localized electric systems with their own generation, storage, and distribution infrastructure that can operate independently from the broader grid. The legislation is intended to improve resilience during outages while supporting more efficient operation of the electric system and would encourage states to place more value on resilience benefits when evaluating utility investments.…
