Energy Department announces $5 billion for grids to boost data centers and lower bills

Published September 24, 2026 11:12am ET | Updated September 24, 2026 12:16pm ET



The Department of Energy has unveiled $5 billion in spending on projects to upgrade grid and transmission infrastructure across the country, aiming to make more power available to data centers while also lowering electric bills. 

The announcement marks the latest effort by the Trump administration to assuage homeowners’ fears that the rapid development of artificial intelligence and build-out of data centers will send electricity costs even higher – a concern that has complicated Republicans’ campaigns in the midterm elections. 

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