As a significant final move before the incoming Trump administration takes office, the Biden administration has announced conditional loan commitments totaling $22.92 billion to support projects by eight utility companies across the U.S. The investments will seek to modernize infrastructure, expand clean energy generation, and improve grid reliability, impacting millions of customers, the Department of Energy (DOE) said on Jan. 16.

PacifiCorp, serving six Western states, will receive $3.52 billion for Project WIRE, which includes constructing 700 miles of high-voltage transmission lines across Idaho, Oregon, and Utah. Upgrades are expected to enhance grid flexibility, reduce curtailments of wind power, and support future renewable energy projects. Project WIRE is expected to be online by the mid-2030s and will create 3,500 union-represented jobs.

powermag.com - As last measure biden administration unveils 23b in utility loan commitments to modernize grid boost clean ene