Energy Dept will spend $2 billion to squeeze more electricity from aging power grid
Summary
The U.S. Energy Department will spend nearly $2 billion to improve the aging power grid and increase electricity capacity by using new technologies. This effort aims to prevent blackouts caused by high energy demand, especially from data centers linked to artificial intelligence, while helping lower electricity costs for millions of Americans.Key Facts
- The Energy Department is funding 31 projects in 26 states to boost electricity capacity by more than 23 gigawatts, enough for 16 million homes.
- New technology like sensors will help monitor weather and manage power flow to prevent overloads on the grid.
- The upgrades could improve power reliability and lower costs for around 100 million people.
- President Donald Trump supports data centers, saying communities without them risk falling behind economically.
- The funding comes from the bipartisan infrastructure law passed when Joe Biden was president.
- Utilities often prefer building new plants over efficiency upgrades because new infrastructure is more profitable.
- Projects focus on upgrading over 1,500 miles of transmission lines and enhancing technology over nearly 21,000 miles of power grid.
- The projects were chosen for their ability to start working quickly to meet urgent energy demands.
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