The US Department of Energy has selected the Three Corners Connector for potential funding under the Speed to Power through Accelerated Reconductoring and other Key Advanced Transmission Technology Upgrades (SPARK) programme (Three Corners Connector press release, 08/10/2026). Three Corners Connector is a 300 mile (483 km) high-voltage direct current (HVDC) interregional transmission line designed to connect the eastern and western electric grids with endpoints in Oklahoma and Colorado, more than doubling the existing 1,320 MW transfer capacity between the two grids.
The Oklahoma Office of Management and Enterprise Services applied for up to USD250m in federal funding with Three Corners Connector as a subrecipient. SPARK funding would primarily support engineering and materials for Three Corners Connector's transmission towers. Three Corners Connector is progressing toward final regulatory approval in 2026, with construction expected to start once land rights and permits are secured, and commissioning possible by 2031.