Why We Need to Strengthen and Expand America’s Electric Grid

(NewsUSA) - Our nation’s power grid – the network that brings electricity from where it’s generated to where it’s used – is severely outdated. Most of America’s transmission lines are more than 50 years old, and date back to the 1950-60s. The American Society of Civil Engineers has given our power grid a D+ grade. As we use more electronics, build new factories, and continue to grow AI data centers, our electricity demand increases. But our outdated grid cannot keep up.

When the grid fails, it’s not just an inconvenience. Blackouts mean straining hospitals, fire departments, and police, as well as safety threats and lack of heating and cooling during extreme weather. Recent tornados and high winds across the central US this year have shown how a weak grid can leave communities without power for days. Expanded transmission strengthens the grid against extreme weather by creating alternative pathways for electricity to move, giving us the flexibility to handle emergencies by moving electricity from where it’s available to where it’s needed most.

Energy storage also plays a critical role. When used as a transmission and distribution asset, storage can relieve congestion on overloaded lines, provide backup during outages, and reduce the need for expensive infrastructure upgrades. By storing electricity during periods of low demand and discharging it when demand spikes or outages occur, storage supports grid stability and enhances resilience.

More transmission also improves efficiency by easing power transfer between regions to meet demand. When power can’t move easily between regions, areas with high demand cannot access cheaper power, leaving households and businesses with higher bills. Expanded transmission networks are the backbone of a strong, affordable, and reliable energy system, letting us tap into the cheapest sources of power. New transmission also makes it easier to bring new resources online, presenting an all-of-the-above opportunity for various energy sources to serve consumers across the country. 

Building new or expanded transmission lines not only increases reliability and resiliency, it creates good-paying jobs. Over one million Americans are currently employed in transmission, distribution and storage. Expanding transmission will create jobs in construction, maintenance, and operation. Reliable transmission also attracts manufacturing and new businesses, creating economic growth and job opportunities.

Today, building new transmission lines is slow and complicated, often tangled in red tape between states and regions. We need to update the rules so projects can move forward quickly and fairly. A stronger grid means fewer blackouts, lower bills, and more jobs. It’s a win for families, businesses, and our entire economy. Let’s invest in America’s future by investing in the power network we all depend on.