Department of Energy Launches “Speed to Power” to Tackle Rising Demand

On September 18, 2025, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced its Speed to Power initiative, aimed at accelerating the deployment of large-scale transmission, generation, and grid infrastructure projects. As reported by attorneys from Perkins Coie, the program responds to rapidly growing energy demand—particularly from data centers, artificial intelligence (AI) facilities, and advanced manufacturing—that is outpacing current capacity. To begin, DOE has issued a request for information (RFI), with comments due by November 21, 2025.

The initiative seeks input from state regulators, utilities, developers, and large energy users on strategies to implement four executive orders from the Trump administration, designed to increase domestic supply and reliability. The DOE cites its July 2025 report, “Evaluating the Reliability and Security of the United States Electric Grid,” which found that planned facility retirements, without adequate replacement, could increase blackout risk by up to one hundredfold by 2030.

The Department of Energy intends to leverage programs such as the Transmission Facilitation Program and the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program, as well as financing through the Loan Programs Office. Technical support from DOE’s National Laboratories will also be made available to help stakeholders evaluate project feasibility. Priority will be given to projects enabling 3–20 gigawatts of incremental load, including new and upgraded transmission lines, new generation assets, and the revival of retired facilities.

For compliance teams, key takeaways include the opportunity to engage early in shaping DOE’s approach to infrastructure funding and technical support. While the RFI does not provide direct funding, it lays the groundwork for future Notices of Funding Opportunities. Companies exploring large-scale energy or transmission projects should carefully consider participation, with attention to DOE’s guidance on confidentiality and specificity in submissions.