Today, October 5, 2026, the U.S. Department of Energy announced its intent to deploy Defense Production Act (DPA) funding to develop a second high-voltage connection between Southcentral and Interior Alaska, strengthening grid infrastructure essential to national defense. The Alaska Energy Authority’s Beluga-Healy Transmission Project combines up to $150 million in DPA funding with $268 million in non-federal funding, representing a planned total investment of $418 million in Alaska’s grid.
Approximately 223 miles of new transmission line connecting Beluga and Healy will be built. Once complete, grid operators will have an additional pathway to move power between Alaska’s most densely populated communities and major military installations–lowering electricity costs and strengthening grid reliability for approximately 75% of Alaska’s population.
Thanks to President Trump and the passage of the Working Families Tax Cut, $1 billion in federal funding has been appropriated for energy-related projects deemed critical to national security. Presidential Determination No. 2026-10 identifies transmission lines and conductors, substations, and power-control and protection equipment as essential to national defense.
“Supporting improvements to Alaska’s transmission infrastructure with Defense Production Act funds reflects the Trump Administration’s commitment to strengthening national security, improving grid reliability, and lowering electricity costs,” U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright said. “Thanks to Senator Sullivan, I received an extensive briefing from the Alaska Energy Authority during my recent visit to Anchorage in August. This meeting, combined with briefings from Alaska Command, confirmed the need to support an expansion of Alaska’s energy infrastructure. This project will not only support the major U.S. military expansion currently underway in Alaska, but also mining and other resource development critical to our national security.”
“Alaska’s weather is unforgiving, and its grid needs another way to keep power moving,” said Office of Electricity Assistant Secretary Katie Jereza. “Beluga-Healy will provide that critical second route, helping protect communities from disruptions and meet growing demand.”
The current project has a preliminary planning estimate of approximately $418 million. This project reflects the Trump Administration’s focus on delivering critical energy infrastructure while protecting taxpayer dollars and ratepayers.
Press release provided by the U.S. Department of Energy.
