Energy Department says nearly $2 billion will fund 26 U.S. locations to boost America’s aging power grid

# AI's Power Hunger Is Forcing America to Upgrade Its Electricity System The U.S. government is spending nearly $2 billion to modernize the nation's aging power grid, driven largely by the massive electricity demands of artificial intelligence data centers that are straining the system. The money will fund 31 projects across 26 states using smart sensors and real-time monitoring technology to squeeze more power safely through existing transmission lines—essentially getting more electricity where it's needed without building entirely new infrastructure. The upgrades could eventually lower electricity bills and reduce blackout risks for about 100 million Americans.