The Biden-Harris Administration has announced an allocation of nearly $2 billion for 38 projects aimed at enhancing the resilience of the U.S. power grid against extreme weather threats. This initiative, part of the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) program, will increase grid capacity by over 7.5 gigawatts and support approximately 6,000 jobs.
The projects span across 42 states and the District of Columbia, including six in the Southeast affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. These efforts are expected to upgrade more than 950 miles of transmission lines through new construction and technology enhancements.
U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm stated, “The devastating and deadly Hurricanes, Helene and Milton, have put on stark display how extreme weather events continue to stress the nation’s aging electric systems – but across the country, the Biden-Harris Administration is using every tool in the toolbox to make sure America’s power grid is hardened in the face of this challenge.”
John Podesta, Senior Advisor to the President for International Climate Policy, emphasized that expanding transmission capacity is crucial for achieving climate goals: “Today’s awards are moving us toward that future by expanding transmission capacity across the nation.”
Ali Zaidi, White House National Climate Advisor added: “We need our grid better adapted to storms like Hurricanes Helene and Milton – and other extreme climate disasters like wildfires out west... Today’s investment will lower energy costs and bolster grid resilience.”
Funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, GRIP aims to enhance grid flexibility with a total investment of $10.5 billion nationwide. Previous funding rounds have already allocated $7.6 billion towards similar projects.
Several states will benefit from specific initiatives designed to improve reliability amid extreme weather conditions:
- Arizona Public Service Company plans upgrades focusing on wildfire risk areas.
- Hoosier Energy Rural Electric Cooperative in Indiana and Illinois will build new transmission feeds.
- Randolph Electric Membership Corporation in North Carolina targets hurricane-prone areas.
- Entergy Texas aims to fortify infrastructure against severe weather disruptions.
Projects also focus on increasing renewable energy access while promoting economic development through workforce initiatives involving organizations such as the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW).
A full list of GRIP projects is available online with award negotiations set to begin immediately.
