COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio will receive $137 million in federal funding to upgrade its electric transmission system, a project officials say could increase the amount of power the grid can carry without building new power plants or transmission lines. The U.S. Department of Energy awarded the grant to the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio. Deputy Energy Secretary James Danly announced the funding in Columbus on Thursday, Sept. 24. The project, called Ohio Speed to Power through Accelerated Reconductoring and other Key advanced transmission technology upgrades, or SPARK, will be supplemented by private investment. The work will upgrade conductors — the wires that carry electricity — and use other advanced transmission technologies. Improving existing equipment can help move more electricity over the network, Danly said, while making greater use of infrastructure already in place. PUCO estimates the upgrades could add the equivalent of 5,820 megawatts of capacity to Ohio’s grid, potentially reducing the need for additional generation and transmission construction. The figure is an estimate of added capacity, not a guarantee of lower bills or a specific amount of new electricity generated. Danly said the improvements are intended to lower energy costs and make service more reliable. PUCO Chair Jenifer French said a stronger grid is needed as Ohio and the country seek to expand domestic manufacturing and connect large electricity users. The project is expected to begin immediately and take about four years. Its effects on customer bills and reliability will depend on the completed upgrades and how the expanded capacity is used.