Congress is Taking Important Steps toward an Affordable, Reliable Grid
Congress is Taking Important Steps toward an Affordable, Reliable Grid
Publish Date: 2026-05-14 12:44:00
Source Domain: www.itic.org
America’s energy system is at a pivotal moment. Advanced manufacturing, electrification, the reshoring of critical industries, and the rapid growth of artificial intelligence are all increasing demand for reliable electricity. Meeting that demand requires reforms to expand grid capacity, accelerate modernization and grid utilization, and ensure ratepayers reap the benefits of innovation without sacrificing affordability.
We are glad to see the Administration and Congress taking this issue seriously. The House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Energy Subcommittee recent hearings focused on the power grid, transmission, and energy affordability help to spotlight and reinforce the urgency of this work. The message from policymakers is clear: America can and must power technological innovation and economic development while at the same time protecting customers from hidden cost shifts. To do so, policymakers must work with industry to modernize power sector planning, encourage cost-effective grid technologies, and remove barriers to faster deployment of both infrastructure and non-wires solutions.
Modern Grid Tools Can Deliver Capacity Faster
The deployment of proven technologies can unlock more capacity, improve system performance, and reduce long-term costs. ITI supports the Affordable Innovation for the Grid Act, Advanced Transmission Technology to Reduce Rates Act, and High-Capacity Grid Act (H.R. 6633). Together, these bills will help accelerate the use of modern grid technologies, including AI-enabled operating tools, advanced transmission technologies, and high-capacity conductors.
The grid of the future must also be more dynamic, data-driven, and efficient. AI-enabled tools can help operators better understand system conditions, manage risk, and optimize the resources already connected to the grid. Advanced transmission technologies and high-capacity conductors can increase transfer capability, reduce congestion, and make better use…
