DOE's Historic $2.2B Grid Investment

The Department of Energy (DOE) announced $2.2 billion in funding to enhance the U.S. electrical grid, aiming to protect against extreme weather, expand capacity, and support clean energy. The funds will benefit eight projects across 18 states, adding over 600 miles of new transmission lines and upgrading 400 miles of existing lines. This investment is part of the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships program under the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The initiative aims to deliver reliable and affordable electricity to 56 million homes and businesses and to meet increasing energy demands from electrified homes, businesses, and new manufacturing facilities. Key projects include upgrading transmission lines in California and Montana and enhancing offshore wind energy capabilities in New England. This marks the largest direct investment in the national grid in U.S. history, emphasizing the urgency due to climate change-driven extreme weather events.