Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced that the U.S. Department of Energy has awarded Ohio a $273 million grant to update the state's existing high-voltage electric infrastructure through the Speed to Power through Accelerated Reconductoring and other Key Advanced Transmission Technology Upgrades (SPARK) initiative.
"Upgrading existing infrastructure makes sense, and this grant opportunity allows us to do that," DeWine said. "Ohio, like much of the country, is facing increasing electricity demand over the next decade. Thank you to the Trump Administration and Secretary Chris Wright for this funding that will help Ohio meet the needs of our businesses and our citizens."
Of the total award, $137 million is being allocated to the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) to work with transmission utilities on advanced transmission technologies that increase the grid's capacity to carry more energy rather than build new infrastructure.
PUCO identified that upgrades funded by the grant can add the equivalent of 5,820 megawatts of capacity to the grid, effectively displacing the need to build additional power plants or transmission lines.
"As Ohio and the nation work to restore traditional domestic manufacturing and bring large loads onto the system, we need a strong and robust energy grid," said PUCO Chair Jenifer French. "We are so appreciative of the funding from the U.S. DOE that will allow Ohio to deploy advanced transmission technologies, ensuring that we responsibly and affordably enhance the grid."
Ohio laid the groundwork for deploying these technologies through the enactment of House Bill 15 in 2025, and PUCO has published a report on opportunities from advanced transmission technologies.