Illinois Congressman Mike Quigley Praises Biden Administration’s Efforts to Strengthen America’s Electric Grid
U.S. Representative Mike Quigley from Illinois commended the Biden Administration’s efforts to strengthen America’s electric grid through initiatives aimed at expanding the use of modern grid technologies such as high-performance conductors and dynamic line ratings. This is a significant step forward in preparing the electric grid to meet the increasing energy demands resulting from factors like onshoring of manufacturing, AI and data centers, and the electrification of the economy.
As Co-Chair of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition, Quigley has been advocating for advanced grid technologies since 2019. He emphasized their role in enhancing transmission lines’ capacity to carry more power, reduce costs, and improve the reliability of the transmission network. The Biden Administration’s recognition of this need is commendable, especially given its commitment to leveraging investments made in clean energy effectively.
In 2020, Quigley requested the Department of Energy to conduct a case study on the reliability, resilience, and economic benefits of technologies like power flow control, topology optimization, and Dynamic Line Ratings. This study contributed significantly to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s mandate for expanded use of these technologies. Quigley continues to advocate for further studies exploring the impact of increased bulk transmission efficiency and Dynamic Line Rating technology on retail power rates.
Overall, Quigley’s support for advanced grid technologies reflects his dedication to ensuring that America remains competitive in a rapidly changing global energy landscape while also promoting environmental sustainability.
