“This is an important first step to ensuring that we're prepared for extreme weather events, and is a vital component of the State’s future energy direction under Reforming the Energy Vision,"

NYSERDA President and CEO John B. Rhodes said.

More than 130 cities, villages, towns and municipalities submitted proposals for the microgrid awards.

The 83 communities receiving support for feasibility studies may choose to apply for detailed engineering support in the second stage of the microgrid program. NYSERDA will also work with third parties and the state’s utilities to provide access to existing clean energy programs and services for communities that do not receive prize support.

The microgrid feasibility study awards are part of a larger $40 million state microgrid program. Based on the results of the studies, up to 10 communities determined to be most suited for a microgrid will move onto the second phase, in which $1 million will be made available to each community to conduct a detailed engineering design and business plan.

Funding of up to $7 million will be available in the third phase of the program to help support construction of a microgrid.

Cost-sharing from the community is required for the second and third phases of the competition.