Feeder of the Future Prize

The Feeder of the Future Prize is a $100,000 single-phase competition which aims to encourage the development of advanced distribution system feeder and circuit designs that align with the evolving demands of 21st-century power delivery, including dynamic loads, onsite generation, and distributed devices.

Electricity is a cornerstone of modern society, and Americans require a reliable, cost-efficient supply. Traditional radial feeder designs, in which power flows from a central source to consumers in a single direction, have worked well to meet this need so far.  However, as the electric grid transforms, so must distribution system feeders to keep energy reliable and cost-effective in the 21^st century. 

The Feeder of the Future Prize aims to meet the need for next generation power systems that improve reliability and maintainability of grid components, integrate evolving technologies, and meet evolving cyber-physical security requirements. The ultimate goal is for prize solutions to influence both future feeder deployments (green-field) as well as provide an upgrade path to existing distribution feeder (brown-field). 

Feeder of the Future Prize competitors will focus on fostering innovative feeder designs for consumers in the following three tracks: Rural, Suburban, and Urban. A cumulative total of up to 10 winners will receive $8,000 each in cash prizes and up to 8 runners-up will receive $2,500 each in cash prizes.  

Track 1 – Rural Feeder  

Teams focus on areas with agricultural and industrial customers who are more likely to have power interruptions and live far from generation sources.  

For the purposes of Track 1, a rural area is characterized by: 

• Fewer than 50 people per square mile 
• 2-8 MW of active power on the feeder 
• Longer circuit miles (geographically dispersed connections) 
• Primarily residential and industrial customers. 

Track 2 – Suburban Feeder 

Teams design solutions for suburban areas with a high use of behind-the-meter assets.

For the purposes of Track 2, a suburban area is characterized by: 

• Between 50-1000 people per square mile (may include smaller towns/cities) 5-7 MW of active power per feeder 
• Short circuit miles (geographically compact) 
• Primarily light commercial, residential, and light industrial customers. 

Track 3 – Urban Feeder 

Teams conceptualize a feeder that will address the exponential growth of electric using device deployment in an urban environment by providing enroute and home/curbside/workplace charging. 

For the purposes of Track 3, an urban area is characterized by: 

• Greater than 1,000 people per square mile 
• 7 MW or more of active power per feeder 
• Short circuit miles (geographically compact) 
• Potential for multiple substations/feed-in points tied to a single feeder circuit 
• Primarily commercial and dense residential customers. 

Competitors are limited to three submissions in total and a maximum of two submissions per track if submitting multiple submissions. Competitors must designate whether they are competing in the Rural Track, Suburban Track, or the Urban Track. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) reserves the right to move the submissions into any track at its discretion. 

Read the official rules for more information.  

View the timeline tab for the most current dates and deadlines. All dates are subject to change, including challenge openings, deadlines, and announcements. 

The American-Made Network provides support to Feeder of the Future Prize competitors throughout the competition and is composed of national labs, incubators, investors, facilities, and seasoned industry mentors. The American-Made Network strengthens and scales the critical connections needed to grow new businesses, develop solutions, and sustain American innovation.

Are you a thinker, researcher, or technology innovator? You belong here. Anyone with a groundbreaking idea can help build a more reliable U.S. electric grid through the American-Made Feeder of the Future Prize. Competitors are individuals, small and large businesses, and universities legally residing or based in the United States.  

For full eligibility requirements, please read the official rules. 

Please review the official rules for the complete application process and instructions for competing.

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