CEN Celebrates Historic Loan Program from Department of Energy

February 26, 2026 – LANSING, Mich. – The Conservative Energy Network celebrates the recent announcement of a historic $26.5 billion loan from the Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Dominance Financing. The largest loan in the Department’s history will deliver over $7 billion in savings to Georgia and Alabama ratepayers by investing in 5 GW of new gas generation, 6 GW in improved nuclear, hydropower modernization, battery energy storage, and over 1,300 miles of transmission and grid enhancement projects. These projects will ultimately lower energy costs, create thousands of jobs, and increase grid reliability.

“President Trump understands something that too many in Washington have ignored for years: if we want American energy dominance, we must build the infrastructure to support it,” said John Szoka, CEO of the Conservative Energy Network. “This historic investment by the Department of Energy is exactly the kind of bold, pro-growth action our country needs. More than 1,300 miles of new transmission and critical grid enhancements will strengthen an aging power grid that was never designed to handle today’s surging demand from advanced manufacturing, data centers, and domestic energy production.”

Szoka continued to say, “At the Conservative Energy Network, we have long said the path forward is energy addition, not subtraction. We cannot power a 21st-century economy by taking options off the table. We must champion innovative, American-led solutions to meet our growing energy needs. Modern transmission is the backbone of that strategy. Without it, we cannot deliver affordable, reliable power to families, attract new investment, or compete globally with nations like China that are rapidly expanding their infrastructure.

“Just as importantly, expanding and modernizing energy infrastructure helps lower consumer costs. When power can move more efficiently across regions, congestion declines, competition increases, and utilities can access the most affordable sources of generation available. That translates into more stable prices and long-term savings for American households and small businesses. Simply put, strengthening the grid is a pocketbook issue.

This truly groundbreaking announcement from the Trump Administration sends a clear signal that America is serious about energy dominance by unleashing private investment and ensuring reliable, affordable energy can reach every corner of the country. We look forward to continuing to work with the Administration to ensure America remains a global powerhouse.”

Tyler Adams, executive director of Conservatives for Clean Energy – Georgia, added, “This announcement is a big win for Georgia. President Trump and the Department of Energy are recognizing if we want reliable, affordable power, we must invest in the infrastructure that keeps the lights on.

Adams went on to say, “These loans will help strengthen and modernize the transmission system that delivers electricity to homes, farms, and businesses across our state. For Georgians, that means a grid that can better handle rapid growth, support new manufacturing investments, and keep pace with rising demand without sacrificing reliability.

“Georgia’s economy is growing because we have embraced an all-of-the-above strategy that welcomes new generation and private investment. But none of it works without a grid that can move power when and where it is needed. Strengthening transmission reduces congestion, improves efficiency, and helps keep costs down for families and small businesses.

“This is about more than wires and substations. It is generating more American energy, not less. It is about making sure Georgia remains a top destination for jobs and innovation. It is about protecting ratepayers from unnecessary costs. Modernizing our grid is a commonsense, conservative investment in affordability, reliability, and long-term economic strength for the people of Georgia. We thank the Trump Administration for this crucial investment.”

Conservative Energy Network (CEN) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit coalition of 26 state-based conservative clean energy organizations championing secure, reliable, affordable, clean American energy. Learn more at www.conservativeenergynetwork.org.