DOE Plans $50M Grid Upgrade to Add 290 MW in Virginia
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) intends to provide up to $50 million in Defense Production Act funding for transmission upgrades in Virginia and West Virginia.
Led by Virginia Energy, the proposed 48-month project will deploy advanced reconductoring and dynamic line rating (DLR) technologies along existing transmission corridors.
The upgrades are expected to add approximately 290 MW of transmission capacity to Appalachian Power's Virginia network, potentially accelerating expansion by one to four years compared with conventional upgrades.
The project involves Potomac Edison and regional partners, targeting transmission congestion, growing electricity demand and grid reliability.
“A stronger electric grid doesn't always mean building more power lines. Sometimes it means making better use of the ones we already have,” said Katie Jereza, DOE Office of Electricity Assistant Secretary.
The initiative aims to increase electricity delivery capacity using existing infrastructure while supporting regional reliability and national security.
Source: U.S. Department of Energy
