The U.S. Department of Energy Office of Electricity has published a $1.9 billion funding opportunity seeking projects to accelerate upgrades to the nation’s power grid.
Projects selected through the Speed to Power through Accelerated Reconductoring and other Key Advanced Transmission Technology Upgrades (SPARK) funding opportunity “will deliver fast and durable upgrades to the grid with real results,” DOE officials said in an announcement.
Investments are expected to meet rising electricity demand and resource adequacy needs, while lowering electricity costs for American households and businesses.
Selected projects will demonstrate how reconductoring — replacing existing power lines with higher‑capacity conductors — paired with other Advanced Transmission Technologies (ATTs) can expand grid capacity, increase operational efficiency, lower prices for consumers and improve overall system reliability and security of the nation’s electric grid.
The SPARK opportunity builds on the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program, which provided up to $10.5 billion in competitive funding over five years to states, tribes, electric utilities, and other eligible recipients to strengthen grid resilience and innovation.
The GRIP program focuses on the rapid deployment of reconductoring and other ATTs that expand transfer capability, strengthen reliability and resource adequacy, and reduce costs for consumers while making use of existing rights of way.
The previous two GRIP funding rounds covered FY 2022-2023 and FY 2023-2024 funding.
Concept papers are due April 2, and full applications are due May 20. DOE anticipates making selections in August 2026. An informational webinar will be posted on the OE website by mid March.
Projects that will be given priority include:
- Reconductoring with advanced conductors.
- Advanced transmission technologies that can increase the usable capacity of existing assets in real time.
- Large-scale, cross-regional transmission upgrades and coordinated planning.
Photo by Pixabay
For more of the latest from the expansive government marketplace, check Government Market News daily for new stories, insights and profiles from public sector professionals. Check out our national contracting newsletter here.
