Major U.S. Companies Urge States to Modernize Power Grid and Expand Transmission Capacity

As electricity demand rises and utility rates remain high, more than 15 major companies are urging state governments to improve and expand the country’s aging transmission infrastructure to ensure affordable, reliable power.

Companies including Akamai Technologies, Aspen One, IKEA US, Levi Strauss & Co., Nestlé, and Siemens signed a statement calling on governors and lawmakers to support cost-effective transmission investments to meet growing energy needs. “A strong grid is at the heart of the modern economy. Businesses and residents alike need reliable and affordable electricity, and states need energy infrastructure to thrive in the 21st-century economy,” said Mel Mackin, director of state policy, Ceres. “That’s why major employers from regions across the country and industries across the economy are calling on state policymakers to prioritize grid improvements this year. As governors, their administrations and legislatures take on pressing cost-of-living issues, they must prioritize improving and expanding transmission infrastructure.” 

“Upgrading our transmission infrastructure is vital to bringing our electric grid into the 21st century and ensuring reliable, affordable electricity to power our businesses and the economy,” the statement says.

The signatories span multiple industries and states, highlighting a nationwide need for grid improvements. “Grove Collaborative is committed to making customers’ homes and the home we share healthier,” said Kaley Cross, sustainability manager at Grove Collaborative. “This includes making transmission infrastructure improvements to deliver clean power at scale and meet our energy needs sustainably – not just as individual homes or businesses but as a community. We are proud to support and advocate for state policies that invest in critical infrastructure, allowing us to meet our collective energy that align with our broader environmental and human health mission.” 

The statement urges action in two areas. First, it calls for short-term upgrades to existing infrastructure, including modern equipment and software that improve electricity flow. It also recommends removing regulatory barriers and requiring utilities to consider these technologies.