Description
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) – Speed to Power through Accelerated Reconductoring and other Key Advanced Transmission Technology Upgrades (SPARK) is a funding opportunity that aims to meet load demand growth and resource adequacy, and to address critical national, interregional, and regional needs. The program seeks to stimulate investment in power system infrastructure and build partnerships between states, local governments, tribes, and power system operators to enhance reliability and affordability of the electric grid. The opportunity is divided into three topic areas: Grid Resilience, Smart Grid, and Grid Innovation Program. Applicants must demonstrate measurable improvements in electric grid capacity and system value, combining physical capacity gains with operational efficiency and/or flexibility from other Advanced Transmission Technologies. Key requirements include:
• Demonstrating measurable improvements in electric grid capacity and system value
• Combining physical capacity gains with operational efficiency and/or flexibility from other Advanced Transmission Technologies
• Expanding transfer capability, strengthening reliability and resource adequacy, and reducing consumer cost impact while utilizing existing rights of way
• Prioritizing projects that can be implemented quickly to deliver durable physical upgrades and dynamic operational gains