The Biden administration has announced $3.5 billion for 58 projects across the country to strengthen electric grid resilience.
This, as extreme weather events such as the Maui and California wildfires strain the nation’s aging transmission systems.
The largest grant, $464 million, will go to improve five transmission projects across seven Midwestern states, including the Dakotas and Minnesota.
Xcel Energy will receive $100 million for projects in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and three other states to improve wildfire risk mitigation, including thousands of fire-resistant poles, tree clearing and wind strength testing .
Another $50 million will go to increase capacity on Minnesota Powers’ High Voltage Direct current stations on a 465-mile power line running from Center (ND), to Hermantown (MN).
Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm calls it the largest federal investment ever in grid infrastructure.
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AP