100 Days Into New Administration, Shifts in Policy Settle In

President Trump has significantly altered the direction of U.S. energy policy, reducing funding for clean energy programs and increasing support for fossil fuel development and infrastructure.

In this new political environment, BEL is maintaining and building momentum for beneficial electrification. Our strategy has never depended on one political party being in power. One of our coalition’s greatest strengths is its political diversity, with people and organizations across the spectrum united to advance the goal of electrifying energy services where and when it benefits end-users, the environment, and the grid. We have always been prepared for changes in Administration and are navigating the transition as planned.

We must acknowledge that many of our stakeholders and partners have experienced setbacks and delays from loss of funding for grid infrastructure and electrification, as well as staffing cuts at the DOE, EPA, and other departments that manage energy funds. The budget reconciliation bill is not yet finalized as of this writing, but it is likely to include cuts to funding for clean energy and electric infrastructure as the majority in Congress seeks to balance the priorities of the new Administration. See additional updates in our 2025 Spring Newsletter.

But we can also report finding significant alignment between BEL’s goals and those of the Trump Administration. In its April 8 Executive Order, Strengthening the Reliability and Security of the United States Electric Grid, the president’s team spotlighted the issue that everyone in electric power is talking about: the “unprecedented surge in electricity demand” being driven by the expansion of AI data centers, reshored manufacturing, and other factors.

While the EO emphasizes reliable bulk power generation, beneficial electrification can also help create the stronger, more resilient electric sector that the Administration seeks. Deploying more distributed electric energy storage, for example, is one of the fastest and most economical strategies to moderate peak demand, free up grid capacity for load growth, and keep electricity rates down.

In March, BEL President Keith Dennis and Steffes CEO Paul Steffes conveyed this message in a meeting with Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and his staff. The secretary, who chairs the National Energy Dominance Council, was impressed by Steffes’ Electric Thermal Storage technology and its value for mitigating peak demand and enhancing energy reliability and security.

We’re also heartened that USDA has lifted the freeze on over $10 billion in grants and loans previously awarded to electric co-ops, farmers, and others under the REAP, New ERA and PACE programs. Yes, many recipients are still facing uncertainty over whether they’ll receive awarded funds, but the decision indicates that the Administration views the program as aligned with its energy policy. Similarly, EPA has freed up $90 million in Clean School Bus Rebates–noting that the decision followed the agency’s determination that the program was aligned with President Trump’s Unleashing American Energy Executive Order.

Among the co-ops, municipally owned utilities and other groups we work with, support for beneficial electrification remains strong. BEL President Keith Dennis spoke to an enthusiastic crowd of G&T and distribution co-op staff at the Electrify North Carolina conference in May, and we’re anticipating a robust crowd at our September Electrify Oregon event.

As we navigate this transition, we find widespread agreement across the political spectrum about the importance of enhancing the reliability and resilience of the country’s electric power system. Beneficial electrification provides multiple forms of leverage to achieve this, yet it needs articulate champions to convey this message. BEL, with our partners and stakeholders, will continue to be this champion.