NEWS: Rural co-ops are warning that federal restrictions on foreign-made grid equipment could raise costs and delay projects.

Power struggle: President Trump’s August executive order could threaten imported grid supplies. Now, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is urging the DOE to “carefully account for the realities of utility infrastructure planning and procurement,” and protect the projects already underway. NRECA said the order risks billions in stranded costs, and could harm grid reliability. 

Also on the DOE’s desk: The agency announced it will hand TVA $250M for 84 transmission and distribution projects across eight states. The power provider will also receive $331M in cost-share funding. These projects are set to add roughly 2.5 GW of grid capacity.