The security and reliability of the energy grid are foundational to U.S. economic and national security. To address the unprecedented supply chain challenges electric companies are facing in securing equipment and materials, the CEO-led Electricity Subsector Coordinating Council (ESCC) established an industry “tiger team” to examine supply chain constraints in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

In late November, EEI joined the American Public Power Association and National Rural Electric Cooperative Association in responding to a request for information by DOE on how the Defense Production Act could help to streamline availability of key equipment.

While Defense Production Act funding was not included in the final FY2023 Omnibus spending bill, EEI continues working with congressional appropriators to prioritize funding that increases domestic manufacturing capacity for distribution transformers. EEI also is coordinating directly with representatives from across the electric power industry, with manufacturers, and with federal partners at DOE through the ESCC to identify the most effective and viable federal solutions to address several of the sector’s highest priority supply challenges, including distribution transformers, large power transformers, poles, and conductor.