WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, introduced the Supporting Transformative Resilience, Operations, and Next-Generation Grid Innovation Deployment (STRONG GRID) Act, legislation to increase America’s electric grid resiliency and help prevent power disruptions caused by natural disasters. The STRONG GRID Act aims to spur the adoption of microgrids—localized electric grids that operate independently of the broader energy grid—to reduce strain on America’s electric grid and bolster our energy system from widespread damage created by extreme weather events.  

“America’s electric grid is under more pressure now than at any point in our history, and extreme weather events are exacerbating that strain, as we’ve seen in Vermont with brutal floods. By operating independently of the larger energy system, microgrids offer a solution to increase the resiliency of our grid and help reduce the burden consumers face in natural disaster recovery costs. It’s a win-win,” said Senator Welch. “Our bill capitalizes on the potential of microgrids to help keep essential services online and reduce the economic impact of natural disasters.” 

Extreme weather events are growing more frequent and intense. From wildfires to floods, hurricanes to tornadoes, Americans across the country experienced firsthand the devastation extreme weather brings to their communities. In 2025, the United States suffered 23 “billion-dollar disasters” that collectively cost more than $115 billion, marking the third costliest year on record behind 2023 and 2024. Natural Disasters cause widespread damage to critical infrastructure—including the electric grid. Utilities then pass these recovery costs along to ratepayers; researchers found that households are spending $35 more per year on average on their electricity bills as a result.  

At the same time, America’s electric grid is under immense strain. Forecasts suggest that U.S. electricity demand could increase by as much as 5.7% through 2030, a level of growth not seen since the 1960s. Peaks in electricity consumption during the hottest or coldest days of the year leave the grid ill-equipped to meet this surge in demand, especially when disaster strikes. By operating with self-sustaining electricity generation, storage, and distribution infrastructure, microgrids can alleviate pressure on America’s electric grid and boost resiliency during extreme weather events. 

The STRONG GRID Act is endorsed by the GridWise Alliance; Honeywell Technologies; Information Technology Industry Council (ITI); National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED); National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO); and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA). 

“As grid operators issue resource adequacy warnings and utilities revise demand forecasts upward at an unprecedented pace, tapping into local resources is an increasingly important way to protect communities from reliability risks,” said Karen Wayland, CEO, GridWise Alliance. “The GridWise Alliance applauds Senator Welch for introducing the bipartisan STRONG GRID Act, enabling a faster path to microgrid deployment in areas at high risk where extending or hardening traditional infrastructure can take years.” 

“Rising electricity demand makes microgrids essential to building a more resilient and reliable electric grid. Senator Welch’s STRONG GRID Act would help deploy the practical solutions needed to modernize America’s energy infrastructure, and ITI is pleased to support this legislation,” said Jason Oxman, President and CEO, ITI. 

“The National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED) applauds Senator Welch for introducing the STRONG GRID Act. Our nation needs practical, flexible, and commonsense approaches to increasing electricity supply and strengthening grid reliability. Microgrids can play an important role by helping communities, businesses, and critical facilities better manage growing demand and maintain power during grid disruptions. The funding and technical assistance in this legislation will reduce barriers to microgrid deployment and make our communities more resilient and productive. With nearly 6,000 electrical distribution facilities across the country, NAED members are ready to provide the equipment, logistics, and technical expertise needed to bring these projects online,” said Wes Smith, President and CEO, National Association of Electrical Distributors. 

President of the National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO) David Terry congratulated Senator Welch on the introduction of the STRONG GRID Act of 2026: “The legislation supports the development and interconnection of microgrids. The bill will support energy security, electric grid resilience, and an enhanced electric system better able to respond to our present and future challenges.” 

“America’s electric grid is under growing strain as electricity demand rises at a rapidly accelerating pace, increasing risks to reliability, resilience, and affordability. Protecting American families and businesses from escalating costs and risks of service disruptions requires an ‘all-of-the-above’ energy strategy. The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) applauds Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) for introducing the STRONG GRID Act. The bipartisan legislation will help strengthen the nation’s electric infrastructure by accelerating the deployment and evaluation of microgrids. Expanding microgrid deployment will significantly improve grid flexibility and help meet growing electricity demand.” 

Learn more about the STRONG GRID Act. 

Read and download the full text of the bill. 

###

View a digital version of this release.