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U.S. power grid modernization via SPARK program

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2026-09-25 03:37 UTC → 2026-09-25 17:51 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has launched the Speed to Power through Accelerated Reconductoring and other Key Advanced Transmission Technology Upgrades (SPARK) program. This initiative involves nearly $2 billion in federal funding, which, when combined with $3.35 billion in recipient cost-sharing, brings the total project investment to $5.25 billion. The program supports 31 projects across 26 states to modernize the nation’s aging power grid and meet rising electricity demands from data centers and artificial intelligence expansion. These upgrades are expected to add over 23 gigawatts of capacity—enough to power approximately 16 million homes—and improve reliability for roughly 100 million Americans. Technical strategies include reconductoring over 1,500 miles of transmission lines and deploying grid-enhancing technologies across nearly 21,000 miles, utilizing advanced sensors to monitor real-time weather and conditions. Regional investments include $175 million for Indiana to upgrade the “seam” between the PJM and MISO grids. Other notable allocations include $250 million for a project connecting the Colorado and Texas grids to increase capacity from 210 to 700 megawatts, $50 million for Duke Energy to improve transmission in the Carolinas, and $50 million for CenterPoint Energy to enhance grid awareness and response capabilities in Houston. Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated the investments focus on “maximizing existing infrastructure to ensure energy security and affordability.”

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