Welch introduces STRONG GRID Act for microgrids

U.S. Senator Peter Welch has introduced the STRONG GRID Act to boost electric grid resiliency by spurring microgrid deployment.

• The bill would support microgrids—localized electric grids that can operate independently—to reduce strain on the broader grid and improve resilience during extreme weather and natural disasters.
• The release cites 2025 U.S. billion-dollar disasters costing more than $115 billion and notes households are spending $35 more per year on electricity bills due to climate-related recovery costs; it also says U.S. electricity demand could rise by up to 5.7% through 2030.
• The act is endorsed by GridWise Alliance, Honeywell Technologies, ITI, NAED, NASEO, and NEMA; the release links to a one-pager and bill text on Welch’s Senate website.