Illinois Representative Mike Quigley, Co-Chair of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition, recently released a statement in response to the Biden Administration’s announcement on efforts to strengthen America’s electric grid. The announcement includes the use of modern grid technologies like high-performance conductors and dynamic line ratings, which Quigley has been advocating for since 2019.
Quigley emphasized the need for preparing the electric grid for increasing energy demand due to factors such as onshoring of manufacturing, AI and data centers, and electrification of the economy. He believes that advanced grid technologies are crucial in creating an energy grid that can carry more power, reduce costs, and enhance network reliability.
In 2020, Quigley requested a case study from the Department of Energy on the benefits of technologies like power flow control, topology optimization, and Dynamic Line Ratings. This led to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission mandating their expanded use. Quigley continues to advocate for further studies on bulk transmission efficiency and Dynamic Line Rating technology’s impact on retail power rates.
The Biden Administration’s efforts to improve the grid and maximize investments in clean energy have received approval from Quigley, who views it as a significant step towards utilizing advanced technologies for a sustainable energy future. The office is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
