1.3: Energy Infrastructure
Create a more flexible, more reliable, and higher capacity U.S. energy infrastructure. Other Information:
One of the greatest energy challenges facing America is the need to use 21st Century technology to improve our aging energy
infrastructure. This infrastructure is comprised of many components, including the physical network of pipes for oil and natural
gas, electricity transmission lines, and other means for transporting energy to consumers; facilities that turn raw natural
resources into useful energy products; and rail networks, truck lines, and marine transportation. The energy industry has
undergone major changes in the last two decades, and more are expected. These changes affect how our energy infrastructure
operates. For example, while the electricity industry was once vertically integrated, it is increasingly separated into three
isolated segments: generation, transmission, and distribution. Electricity providers have built more power plants; however,
without a comparable increase in transmission and distribution facilities, it is not possible to handle the increased output.
Over the next six years, the Department’s energy infrastructure activities will be primarily focused on modernizing the electricity
grid. The Department will accomplish this objective by working with other government agencies and industry to reduce the frequency
of blackouts, reduce energy losses, and improve asset and energy resource utilization. The results will provide consumers
with competitive costs for electricity and a more secure infrastructure.
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