21 U.S. States Commit to Modernizing Power Grid to Meet Challenges and Opportunities

Twenty-one states across the United States have committed to prioritizing efforts to adopt modern grid solutions aimed at expanding grid capacity and building modern grid capabilities on both new and existing transmission and distribution lines. These states include Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawai‘i, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Washington, and Wisconsin.

Ray Long, President and CEO of the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE), lauded the Federal-State Modern Grid Deployment Initiative, supported by the 21 states, as a significant step toward achieving a better-connected transmission system. Long emphasized the importance of upgrading existing transmission lines and utilizing public-private partnerships to deploy readily available technologies to meet energy goals.

The U.S. power grid, built in the 1960s and 70s, is struggling to handle extreme weather events caused by climate change and the increasing demand for renewable energy. With 70% of transmission lines over 25 years old and nearing the end of their lifecycle, there is an urgent need for modernization.

The Department of Energy (DOE) offers technical and analytical assistance programs to support states in deploying advanced grid technologies. Funding opportunities through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) enable states to access resources for grid upgrades.

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) welcomed the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) final rule on Regional Transmission Planning and Cost Allocation, emphasizing the importance of reforms to account for the benefits of clean energy in the transmission planning process.

Melissa Alfano, senior director of energy markets and counsel for SEIA, expressed satisfaction with FERC’s steps to improve America’s transmission system, including requirements for long-term regional planning.

Overall, the commitment of states and federal agencies to modernize the U.S. power grid reflects a concerted effort to enhance reliability, resilience, and affordability while advancing clean energy goals across the nation.