In a news release issued today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley from Illinois and Co-Chair of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition, commended the Biden Administration’s efforts to strengthen America’s electric grid. The announcement included initiatives aimed at expanding the use of modern grid technologies such as high-performance conductors and dynamic line ratings, which Quigley has been advocating for since 2019.
Quigley emphasized the importance of preparing the electric grid to meet the increasing energy demands resulting from various factors like onshoring of manufacturing, AI and data centers, and the electrification of the economy. He highlighted the role of advanced grid technologies in enhancing transmission lines’ capacity to carry more power, reduce costs, and improve the reliability of the transmission network. Quigley expressed his satisfaction with the Biden Administration’s recognition of the need to fortify the grid and leverage investments made in clean energy effectively.
In 2020, Quigley requested the Department of Energy to conduct a case study on the reliability, resilience, and economic benefits of technologies like power flow control, topology optimization, and Dynamic Line Ratings. This study contributed to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s mandate for expanded use of these technologies. Quigley has continued to advocate for further studies to explore the impact of increased bulk transmission efficiency and Dynamic Line Rating technology on retail power rates.
In his statement, Quigley said: “The Biden Administration’s commitment to investing in our electric grid is an important step towards a more sustainable future. I am proud that my advocacy for advanced grid technologies has helped shape this initiative.”
Quigley believes that modernizing America’s electricity infrastructure will not only create jobs but also help protect our environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with traditional coal-fired power plants.
“As we transition towards renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, we need a reliable and efficient electricity infrastructure that can support this transition,” said Quigley.
Overall, Quigley believes that investing in modern grid technologies is crucial for ensuring a secure energy future for generations to come.
“We must continue working together as a nation to ensure that our electricity infrastructure remains strong enough to support our ever-growing energy demands,” said Quigley.
