STATEMENT: NEMA Applauds Introduction of Legislation To Accelerate Grid Expansion, Modernize Electric Power Transmission System

NEMA Senior Vice President of Public Affairs Spencer Pederson issued the following statement today in response to the introduction of S.3947, the Reconductoring Existing Wires for Infrastructure Reliability and Expansion (REWIRE) Act:

"With economy-wide energy demand poised to increase 55% by 2050, the expansion and modernization of America's power generation and delivery capacity represent an urgent economic and national security priority.

"This is not lost on America's electrical manufacturers, which have mobilized nearly $200 billion toward expanded domestic production capacity for transformers, switchgear, conductors, electric wire and cable, and other critical grid equipment - including 'grid enhancing technologies' (GETs) - since 2018.

"But continued acceleration in the deployment of growth-driving infrastructure - including power systems, data centers, and advanced manufacturing facilities - depends upon immediate and durable additions to the country's electric transmission capacity.

"NEMA applauds the introduction of the bipartisan Reconductoring Existing Wires for Infrastructure Reliability and Expansion (REWIRE) Act, which will not only cut red tape to accelerate deployment of new poles and wires, but support adoption of GETs and advanced conductors that enable transmission system operators to maximize the value of existing networks.

"Dynamic line ratings, power flow controllers, topology optimization, reconductoring, and other commercially available, domestically produced grid-enhancing technologies offer a means toward immediate transmission capacity additions - and improved grid reliability and resilience outcomes.

"NEMA thanks Senators Dave McCormick (R-PA) and Peter Welch (D-VT) for their leadership on legislation to expand and modernize our nation's power system to meet 21^st century demands without sacrificing responsible oversight. And we look forward to continuing working with Congress on this urgent effort to strengthen the backbone of America's economy."

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About NEMA

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) represents over 300 electrical equipment manufacturers that make safe, reliable, and efficient products and technologies that power, connect, and light our world. Together, our members contribute a full 1% of U.S. GDP and directly provide over 580,000 American jobs, adding more than $330 billion to the U.S. economy. Learn more at makeitelectric.org

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