U.S. Representative Mike Quigley from Illinois commended the Biden Administration for its efforts to strengthen America’s electric grid. As a Co-Chair of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition, Quigley has been advocating for modern grid technologies such as high-performance conductors and dynamic line ratings since 2019.
In a statement, Quigley emphasized the importance of preparing the electric grid to meet increasing energy demands resulting from factors such as onshoring of manufacturing, AI and data centers, and the electrification of the economy. He highlighted how advanced grid technologies can enhance transmission lines’ capacity to carry more power, reduce costs, and improve reliability in the transmission network.
Quigley expressed 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 that the Department of Energy conduct a case study on 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. The Biden Administration’s efforts towards strengthening America’s electric grid align with his long-standing advocacy for modernizing our energy infrastructure, making it more sustainable and efficient while ensuring reliable access to electricity for all Americans.