The US Government is providing up to $7 million (£4.3m) for advanced technologies to improve the resilience of local grids in the face of extreme weather events and other potential disruptions.

The Department of Energy is working with officials and communities to strengthen and modernise the nation’s energy infrastructure and help communities become more adaptive and prepare for future power outages.

Local grids or microgirds are usually connected to the more traditional electric grid but could be disconnected to operate autonomously and control the flow of electricity and help mitigate disturbances.

Patricia Hoffman, Assistant Secretary for Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability said: “Improving the resiliency of the electric grid is essential to moving the nation towards a cleaner and more secure and efficient energy future.

“Developing more advanced microgrid systems will help communities build stronger and smarter so they are better prepared for the effects of a changing climate. This funding is another important step in our drive to partner with communities, developers and utilities in this area of critical importance.”