WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) introduced the Preventing Power Outages Act to strengthen power grids resiliency across the country by reauthorizing two U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) grant programs that help states and utilities invest in modernizing their grid infrastructure. The bill would update these programs to ensure sufficient funding goes toward states whose grids are least reliable and require the most investment, helping the power stay on in the face of extreme weather and natural disasters.
“I was at an event this week where President Trump emphasized the need for growth and power generation to fuel our future economy. He specifically spoke of the problems with our grid,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This is one more step in addressing those problems that President Trump was speaking of.”
Cassidy was joined by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) in introducing the legislation.
Louisiana needs long-term, strategic investment to improve the resiliency of its grid infrastructure and deliver reliable power to households and businesses. However, without federal assistance, grid repair costs often ultimately fall to the very consumers that are being impacted by rising energy rates, poor reliability, and long service restoration times.
The Preventing Power Outages Act would reauthorize and update DOE’s Grid Resilience State/Tribal Formula Grants Program and Grid Resilience Utility and Industry Grants Program, which have spurred historic investment in much-needed grid improvements in recent years but are set to expire in 2026. Funding from these programs can be used for underground electrical equipment, utility pole management, relocating power lines, and more. It can also be used to acquire innovative technologies, including weatherization equipment, fire-resistant technologies, and fire prevention systems. Without reauthorization, states that require significant grid upgrades could go without the necessary investments to address ongoing challenges. The senators’ legislation aims to protect these critical federal resources and ensure Americans across the country have access to safe, reliable, and affordable power.
Background
Cassidy worked to secure increased funding for grid hardening when negotiating the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). Louisiana has already received $929,157,661.00 from IIJA to improve and strengthen the state’s electric grid thanks to Cassidy’s leadership.
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