COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio is set to receive $273 million from the U.S. Department of Energy to modernize the state’s existing high-voltage electric infrastructure as electricity demand continues to increase.
Gov. Mike DeWine announced the funding on Sept. 24 as part of the federal Speed to Power through Accelerated Re-conductoring and other Key Advanced Transmission Technology Upgrades initiative, known as SPARK. Ohio Governor’s Office announcement
According to the Governor’s Office, $137 million of the award will be allocated to the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio. PUCO will work with transmission utilities to deploy technology designed to increase how much electricity existing transmission infrastructure can carry.
State officials estimate the improvements could add the equivalent of 5,820 megawatts of capacity to Ohio’s electric grid. The goal is to increase capacity through upgrades to infrastructure already in place, reducing the need for additional power plants or transmission lines.
The investment comes as Ohio prepares for increased electricity demand over the next decade, including demand associated with new businesses, manufacturing operations and other large electricity users.
Ohio had already taken steps toward using advanced transmission technology through House Bill 15, which was enacted in 2025. PUCO has also studied opportunities for deploying the technology across the state.
The $273 million award will allow Ohio to move forward with those efforts while focusing on increasing the capacity of the existing transmission system.
Source: Ohio Governor’s Office, Sept. 24, 2026.
