The US Department of Energy (DOE), through its Office of Electricity, announced on March 12, 2026, a $1.9 billion notice of funding opportunity to accelerate upgrades to the US electric transmission system. The initiative, called Speed to Power through Accelerated Reconductoring and other Key Advanced Transmission Technology Upgrades (SPARK), aims to modernise the US power grid to meet rising electricity demand, while improving grid performance, security, resilience, reliability and affordability.
The programme is funded under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and is part of the broader Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships programme, which provides up to $10.5 billion in competitive funding over five years to states, tribes, utilities, and other eligible entities. SPARK prioritises projects that can quickly increase transmission capacity using existing rights-of-way, including reconductoring transmission lines with advanced conductors; deploying advanced transmission technologies (ATTs) for real-time grid capacity improvements; and large-scale cross-regional transmission upgrades and coordinated planning.
The funding opportunity includes three topic areas. One, projects that improve reliability and strengthen the grid through reconductoring and ATTs. Two, deployment of advanced smart grid technologies for real-time monitoring, control, and optimisation of grid operations. Three, large-scale, multi-jurisdictional demonstrations under the Grid Innovation programme to expand transmission capacity and support emerging large electricity loads.
Eligible applicants for the initiative include grid operators, utilities, generators, storage operators, universities, companies, nonprofits, state and local governments, and tribal entities, depending on the topic area. Interested applicants are expected to submit their concept papers by April 2, 2026, to be eligible to submit a full application, which has a deadline of May 20, 2026. Award announcements are anticipated in August 2026, with funding expected between October 2026 and January 2027.