The US Department of Energy’s Office of Electricity (OE) has launched a $1.9 billion funding opportunity to accelerate upgrades to the national transmission network under a new initiative known as Speed to Power through Accelerated Reconductoring and other Key Advanced Transmission Technology Upgrades (SPARK).

Announced today, the programme aims to modernise critical power infrastructure to meet rising electricity demand and strengthen system reliability, while reducing costs for consumers. The call for concept papers closes on 2 April 2026, with full applications due by 20 May 2026. Project selections are expected in August 2026, following an informational webinar posted by 19 March.

SPARK supports goals set out in President Trump’s Unleashing American Energy Executive Order to boost US energy independence through faster deployment of modern grid technologies. The initiative will fund projects demonstrating “reconductoring” – the replacement of existing power lines with advanced, higher-capacity conductors – alongside other Advanced Transmission Technologies (ATTs) designed to expand grid capacity and improve efficiency without requiring new corridors or rights of way.

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the initiative represents a renewed commitment to grid modernisation, “so electricity costs will be lowered for American families and businesses.” Assistant Secretary for Electricity Katie Jereza added that expanding transmission capacity is critical to “ensure the grid provides reliable power – day-in and day-out.”

SPARK builds on the earlier Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program, which allocated up to $10.5 billion over five years to improve grid flexibility and reliability across states, tribes, and utilities. Together, the GRIP and SPARK programmes form the cornerstone of the DOE’s latest strategy to ensure adequate and affordable power for a rapidly evolving US energy system.

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