DOE will award $1.9 billion through the SPARK program to 31 projects aimed at adding about 23 GW of transmission capacity. Sponsors plan to reconductor or rebuild more than 1,500 miles of lines and deploy technologies across nearly 21,000 miles, with sponsors contributing ~$3.4 billion for a combined total of roughly $5.3 billion. Key projects include a $1.2B Colorado effort and an $832M "Three Corners Connection" to improve East‑West transfer capability.
DOE Commits $1.9B to 31 Advanced Transmission Projects, Unlocking ~23 GW
Ameren workers install Heimdall Power dynamic line rating technology on congested transmission lines.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will provide $1.9 billion in grants through its SPARK program to support 31 advanced transmission projects expected to add roughly 23 GW of capacity to the nation’s power grid. The funding—enabled by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act—targets reconductoring, rebuilding and deployment of grid-enhancing technologies to boost reliability and transfer capability.
What The Projects Will Deliver
Project sponsors plan to reconductor or rebuild more than 1,500 miles of transmission lines and deploy advanced technologies across nearly 21,000 miles of the transmission network. DOE says sponsors will contribute about $3.4 billion in matching investments, bringing total planned spending to approximately $5.3 billion.
Why It Matters
Rather than building new transmission corridors—which can take decades—these upgrades maximize existing rights-of-way to relieve congestion, avoid expensive greenfield construction, and deliver major capacity gains much faster. The projects are intended to improve system reliability, increase operational flexibility, and lower operating costs, which can help reduce consumer electricity bills.
“These selected SPARK projects put advanced transmission technologies to work, modernizing critical infrastructure, maximizing the capacity of existing lines, and unlocking more than 20 GW of additional grid capacity,” said Catherine Jereza, DOE Office of Electricity Assistant Secretary.
Notable Projects And Sponsors
Selections came from a mid-March DOE solicitation focused on grid resilience, smart-grid capabilities and grid innovation. Utilities and sponsors named in DOE summaries include Alabama Power, Duke Energy Carolinas, Eversource Energy, Kit Carson Electric Cooperative and PPL Electric.
- Colorado Energy Office: Leading a $1.2 billion project to deploy advanced transmission technologies that expand interregional transfer capability and strengthen reliability across Colorado, Texas and neighboring regions.
- Oklahoma Office of Management and Enterprise Services: Spearheading the $832 million "Three Corners Connection" to create a high-capacity link between the Southwest Power Pool (Oklahoma) and the Western Electricity Coordinating Council region (Colorado).
At least two projects specifically target improved transfers between the Eastern and Western interconnections, which currently face limited capacity for exchanging electricity. DOE expects the SPARK investments to unlock significant near-term gains in grid capacity and resilience while supporting long-term modernization goals.
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