Rep. Klopfenstein Applauds Federal Investment to Strengthen Ohio's Electric Grid

COLUMBUS, Ohio — State Representative Roy Klopfenstein (R-Haviland) today applauded the U.S. Department of Energy’s announcement of new federal investments aimed at strengthening the nation’s electric grid, improving reliability, and lowering electricity costs for Ohio families and businesses.

The investments are part of the Department’s Speed to Power through Accelerated Reconductoring and other Key Advanced Transmission Technology Upgrades (SPARK) initiative, which will provide $5.25 billion in combined federal and recipient funding for 31 grid-improvement projects across 26 states.

“These grants represent an outstanding collaboration between our utilities and the federal government that all Ohio consumers stand to benefit from,” said Rep. Klopfenstein.

The initiative will modernize existing transmission infrastructure, expand grid capacity, and improve the efficiency of electricity delivery. By upgrading existing power lines and deploying advanced transmission technologies, the projects are expected to make more than 23 gigawatts of additional electricity capacity available nationwide.

The investments will also help reduce grid congestion, strengthen resilience against severe weather, and support growing energy demands while utilizing existing infrastructure to avoid the costs and lengthy timelines associated with constructing new transmission corridors.

The announcement builds on ongoing efforts, like House Bill 15, to ensure Ohio has the reliable, affordable energy infrastructure necessary to support economic growth, protect consumers, and meet the needs of communities across the state.