GRIP 2 – System Modernization
This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Grid Deployment Office, Award Number DE-GD000925.
Project Introduction
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Grid Deployment Office is administering a $10.5 billion investment via the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) program. This historic investment will enhance grid flexibility, improve the resilience of the power system against growing threats of extreme weather and climate change, and ensure American communities have access to affordable, reliable, and clean electricity.
Project Description
There are two primary threats to the resilience of MEC’s system. The first threat is the trending rise in wildfires in the northwest, which have the potential to wreak havoc on the Cooperative’s distribution infrastructure. The second threat is the increased frequency, severity and unpredictability of storms due to the ever-changing climate.
Missoula Electric Cooperative’s Strategic Distribution System Modernization for Resilience and Wildfire Safety project seeks to build an intelligent network of high-voltage overcurrent devices that can be operated remotely based on data gathered by weather monitoring devices strategically located throughout MEC’s service territory. Reclosers can be reconfigured from normal to non-reclose during periods of elevated fire risk.
Benefits
The project will mitigate the risk of system-caused wildfires and shield the system from extreme weather events. These upgrades will protect the Cooperative’s high-risk communities, improve the system’s integrity and greatly reduce unintended outages during fire season.
Communities and Members Impacted
The project will benefit all MEC members, as it covers the Cooperative’s entire seven-district service territory.
Timeline
The Strategic Distribution System Modernization for Resilience & Wildfire Safety project will use a phased approach from 2025 – 2028:
- Design & Permitting: Currently in progress
- Procurement: Scheduled for late 2024
- Construction: Phased construction from 2025 to 2028
- Operation: Phased implementation from 2025 to 2028
Procurement
Materials rfp package request
GRIP 2 RFP_Clarifications_QandA.xlsx
For the Materials RFP, MEC seeks competitive bids for the supply of materials required to implement the GRIP 2 – System Modernization project. All materials purchased under this RFP must comply with the Build America, Buy America Act (BABAA). Please click the link above to request an RFP.
Clarification Questions Due: 09/15/2026 4:00pm MT
Submission Deadline: 09/25/2026 4:00pm MT
Project Completion Target: October 2029
Questions and Clarifications
Answers for questions submitted through TBD
Contractor rfp Package Request
For the Contractor RFP, MEC seeks competitive bids for construction services to implement the GRIP 2 – System Modernization project. Please click the link above to request an RFP.
Clarification Questions Due: TBD
Submission Deadline: TBD
Project Completion Target: TBD
Project Overview
Download the Project Overview here.
Contact Information
General Project Inquiries:
Mick Aho, Integrated Services Manager
Micka@meccoop.com
406.541.6375
