‘Tis the Season to Celebrate!
MEC receives multiple federal grants
As we close out the year, Missoula Electric Cooperative (MEC) is excited to announce that we’ve secured multiple federal grants aimed at strengthening and modernizing our infrastructure to better serve our members and protect the communities where we live, work and serve. Through these grants, we’re moving forward with key projects that will improve resilience, reduce wildfire risks, and ensure greater reliability for years to come.
Building Resilient Infrastructure in Rock Creek
Through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA’s) Hazard Mitigation Assistance Division is administering a $1 billion investment via the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program. Of these funds, MEC secured $919,250, complemented by $306,395 from Montana’s Resiliency Funding. These funds are designated for the Rock Creek Fire Mitigation – Undergrounding Project, a strategic initiative aimed at minimizing wildfire risks and reducing power outages in the Rock Creek drainage area.
The Rock Creek project will bury three sections of distribution line currently located in steep, rugged, and difficult-to-access terrain. This critical shift from overhead to underground line will mitigate potential wildfires in the densely wooded area and strengthen the system’s storm resilience. Additionally, this upgrade will grant easier access to crews, greatly reducing long-term repair costs and the time crews need to make repairs. Approximately 193 meters in the immediate area will see enhanced reliability, particularly during extreme weather events. This project is on track to begin construction in spring/summer 2025, with a planned operational start in fall 2025.
Wildfire Mitigation and Grid Resilience in the Seeley-Swan
As part of a national consortium of 38 rural electric cooperatives, MEC is participating in the Wildfire Assessment and Resilience for Networks (WARN) project through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) program. This program, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, provides $10.5 billion to enhance grid resilience and enable the shift to cleaner, more reliable power systems.
MEC’s Seeley-Swan Undergrounding for Wildfire and Storm Safety Project will bury approximately 46 miles of overhead distribution line in the Seeley-Swan Valley, significantly reducing wildfire potential and protecting this high-risk community from extreme weather impacts. Beyond safeguarding the area from wildfire, the project will create a more resilient power network for MEC members in the valley and surrounding communities. This phased project will start in 2025 and run through 2028.
Strategic System Modernization Across All Seven Districts
The Department of Energy’s GRIP program also supports the Strategic Distribution System Modernization for Resilience and Wildfire Safety Project, which will impact the Co-op’s entire seven-district service area. By deploying an intelligent network of high-voltage devices and weather-monitoring technology, our team will be able to remotely reconfigure devices during high-risk conditions, allowing us to swiftly respond to the threat of wildfire or severe weather. This innovative technology will not only reduce the risk of fire but also minimize unexpected outages and improve reliability for all MEC members. This project will also utilize a phased approach to begin in 2025 and conclude in 2028.
Looking Ahead
These projects are part of MEC’s long-term commitment to creating safer, more resilient infrastructure in response to our region’s evolving challenges. We’re grateful for the federal support through FEMA, the Department of Energy, and Montana’s state resiliency programs. With proactive investments in these essential projects, MEC is able to build a stronger, more reliable grid and create safer communities.
For detailed information on our grant projects, please visit https://bit.ly/MECGrants.
Rock Creek Undergrounding: This material is based upon work supported by the Federal Emergency Management Agency Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities Program and Montana Disaster and Emergency Services, Agreement Number EMD-2021-BR-001-0003.
Seeley-Swan Undergrounding: This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Grid Deployment Office, Award Number DE-GD0000885.
System Modernization: This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Grid Deployment Office, Award Number DE-GD000925.
