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New Bern authorizes submission of NCDEQ 'Power Up' grant to pursue $2M utility upgrades
Summary
The Board of Aldermen authorized staff to submit an NCDEQ Power Up grant application — staff proposed up to $2 million in funding with a 33% match (approx. $660,000 match proposed in in‑kind resources) to fund feeder upgrades, targeted undergrounding and control‑room modernization.
At its June 9 meeting the New Bern Board of Aldermen authorized city staff to submit an application for the NCDEQ 'Power Up' grant, a state funding round supported by federal infrastructure dollars, to pursue electric‑system improvements.
Utilities staff said the State received $8.5 million this round and that roughly half of that funding is intended for small utilities. City staff proposed limiting New Bern’s application to $2 million, which would require a 33% match; staff estimated the match could be covered by in‑kind labor and equipment and tentatively put the local match at about $660,000.
The tentative scope described to the board included right‑sizing undersized feeder sections to improve rerouting capability, selective undergrounding and right‑sizing of aerial feeders, and modernization of control‑room and emergency‑operations equipment. Staff emphasized that the scope aligns with the city’s five‑year capital plan and that a grant award would offset planned capital expenditures.
Board members asked timing and budget questions: staff said applications were due June 26 and awards were expected in late July–August. If awarded, staff suggested some reductions to year‑one capital needs (staff estimated roughly $700,000 off year‑one costs depending on award size) and additional relief in a later year; specific impacts depend on award size and match.
The board voted unanimously to authorize submission of the application and directed staff to prepare the application materials.
What’s next: Staff will prepare and submit the application before the June 26 deadline and return with final scope and budget details if the city is selected for an award.
