U.S. grants nearly $2-billion to harden power grid against extreme weather

The U.S. on Friday announced nearly $2-billion in grants to protect its aging power grid against the growing threat of extreme weather fuelled by climate change.
This round of funding for the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships program is for 32 projects across 42 U.S. states. About 950 miles (1,530 km) of transmission lines are expected to be bolstered. The improvements will include burying some lines underground, lifting substations above flood plains, and increasing the capacity of some existing lines.
Funded by the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law, the GRIP program pledged $10.5-billion for communities across the country. The first round of GRIP funding, announced in October 2023, included $3.5-billion for 58 projects in 44 states.
The U.S. power transmission grid, which in some cases is more than 100 years old, is struggling as climate change fuels stronger storms. Power demand is increasing for the first time in two decades amid demand from artificial intelligence, electric vehicles and crypto currency. In addition, new wind and solar farms need transmission to get power to cities.
“The funding couldn’t come at a more critical time, because energy demand, as we know, is rising nationwide and it is straining our outdated grid infrastructure,” Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm told reporters in a call.
Recent Hurricanes Helene and Milton have damaged power infrastructure and the funds would help protect the grid from strong storms, Granholm said.
Six of the projects across the U.S Southeast include utilities hit by Helene and Milton, the department said.