The program focuses on increasing transmission capacity and reliability through advanced technology projects.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced a funding opportunity of about $1.9 billion through its Office of Electricity (OE) to support upgrades to the nation’s electric grid. The initiative, known as the SPARK program (Speed to Power through Accelerated Reconductoring and other Key Advanced Transmission Technology Upgrades—ATTs), seeks projects that replace existing transmission lines with higher-capacity conductors and incorporate advanced technologies to expand grid capacity, improve reliability, and address growing electricity demand.
The funding builds on previous work under the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program, which provides federal support for projects designed to strengthen and modernize electricity infrastructure. According to the department, proposals may involve reconductoring and other transmission technologies that increase efficiency while using existing rights-of-way.
“The United States must increase grid capacity to meet demand, and ensure the grid provides reliable power—day-in and day-out,” said OE Assistant Secretary Katie Jereza. “Through this SPARK funding opportunity, we will stabilize and optimize grid operations to strengthen it for rapid growth.”
Concept papers are due April 2, 2026, and full applications are due May 20.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Assistant Secretary Jereza as she oversees investments related to the nation’s energy infrastructure.
- For Secretary Wright to be discerning as he manages the Department of Energy and its agencies.
- For U.S. federal, state, and local energy officials, engineers, utility operators, and planners working on power-grid modernization projects, energy planning, and infrastructure decisions.
Sources: Department of Energy
