DOE Lights the SPARK for Getting More Out of Our Grid

America’s electric grid is often described as the “world’s largest machine”, yet it is not operating at its full potential. However, new technologies can optimize the performance of the existing grid, creating the opportunity to deliver more power, more efficiently, using assets already in the ground. Letting American energy move with new and optimized existing transmission lines will support our growing economy, enhance grid reliability and bring affordable energy to consumers. 

A new class of solutions known as Advanced Transmission Technologies (ATTs) can unlock that untapped potential. ATTs can optimize the performance of the existing grid by increasing capacity, improving efficiency and enhancing reliability. Broadly, ATTs represent four technologies: High Performance Conductors; Dynamic Line ratings; Topology Optimization Tools and Advanced Power Flow Controllers. While they are not a substitute for building new transmission, ATTs offer a critical near-term solution to help meet rising electricity demand.

The Department of Energy (DOE) took a significant step to unlock this potential by announcing the Speed to Power through Accelerated Reconductoring and other Key Advanced Transmission Technology Upgrades (SPARK) program. This initiative will provide up to $1.9 billion for ATT deployments that “expand transfer capability, strengthen reliability and resource adequacy.”

Estimated Transmission Capacity Unlocked by Selected Grid-Enhanceing Technologies

Source: ESIG (2025)

What are ATTs?

ATTs include software and hardware technologies that can be deployed in a fraction of the time and cost of conventional transmission solutions. While conventional transmission solutions, like new lines, remain essential for reliability, affordability and meeting energy demand, ATTs offer novel opportunities to meet near-term capacity needs, enhance grid reliability and resilience and keep consumer bills affordable. Below, we explore the technologies that SPARK supports, how they work and where they’ve been successfully deployed to enhance reliability and reduce costs nationwide.

High-Performance Conductors:

How it works

• Conductors are the wires strung across transmission towers that contain a core that provides strength and stability, surrounded by materials that conduct electricity. High-performance conductors replace steel cores with lighter materials, such as carbon composite cores, which allow more conductive materials, such as aluminum, to be added. This results in conductors that can carry more power, operate more efficiently and withstand higher temperatures, thereby reducing line sagging that increases wildfire risk.

Deployment case-study

• AEP Texas demonstrated the value of this approach in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. Rather than rebuilding two critical transmission lines, the utility reconductored existing infrastructure using energized lines. The project was completed in half the time of a traditional rebuild, saved $43 million upfront, nearly doubled line capacity and reduced energy losses by 30%, saving consumers tens of millions of dollars per year.

Dynamic Line Ratings (DLRs):

How it works

• DLR provides real-time information on a power line’s conditions to enable greater utilization of its capacity and promote safe operation. Using sensors, software, or both, companies are providing better forecasts and real-time information on power line capacity and conditions. For example, on hot summer days, grid operators can avoid thermally driven reliability issues by adjusting the amount of power pushed over lines, while on windy or cold days, grid operators can safely push more power over the lines.

Deployment case-study

• In 2002, PPL Electric Utilities was the first utility in the country to deploy DLRs on three lines. These deployments unlocked an average 16% more capacity on these lines. While PPL’s initial projections estimated $23 million in savings by 2025, in the first year, one line alone delivered $65 million in savings, highlighting the rapid and tangible benefits of this technology.

Topology Optimization Tools:

How it works

• Topology optimization software acts as the navigational system for the grid, automating and accelerating the assessment of new routes for power to flow. Grid operators can use topology optimization as a decision-support tool to find cheaper or safer routes for power to flow to consumers.

Deployment case-study

• Alliant Energy and ATC use topology optimization to identify and implement 21 power-flow reconfigurations across their systems in Iowa and Wisconsin. Within 12 months, consumers saved $24 million.

Advanced Power Flow Controllers (APFC):

How it works

• APFC technologies are hardware deployed on transmission infrastructure to direct power flows away from congested areas or outages, or just along more efficient routes. These devices are quick to install and modular, allowing them to be redeployed as a utility’s needs change.

Deployment case-study

• Central Hudson Gas & Electric and PG&E have both deployed APFCs onto their system to support the integration of new generation and load, respectively. Central Hudson Gas & Electric unlocked 185 MW on its system to bring more power online, while PG&E was able to make more than 100 MW of capacity available for a new data center.

A Critical Tool for a Modern Grid

As electricity demand accelerates, the United States will need to build new infrastructure and better utilize the grid we already have. Advanced transmission technologies offer a cost-effective, near-term way to do just that.

The DOE’s SPARK program positions the U.S. not only as a leader in developing these technologies but also in deploying them at scale. By supporting projects, de-risking new technologies and providing technical assistance, SPARK is helping modernize the grid in ways that enhance reliability, lower costs and strengthen American energy leadership.

Unlocking more from the existing grid is not just an efficiency gain. It is a strategic advantage.