Transmission Possibleis a coalition of advocates working to educate decision-makers, stakeholders, and the public about the critical role of the electric transmission system in ensuring grid reliability, economic growth, and a speedy transition to clean energy.
Each month, we'll include an overview of transmission policies, news, engagement opportunities, and new materials added to our resource hub. This month, we highlight a trio of nominees for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, some state policies in development that address optimizing our transmission grid, and other important news stories about issues impacting the electric grid. And remember, you can play a role in advancing our mission by sharing this newsletter with your friends and colleagues who are passionate about shaping our electric grid's future.
But first, here is a new resource for you!
Generator Interconnection: Strengthening Our 21st Century Grid with the Energy it Needs
One important benefit of a strong transmission grid is to enable more new resources to connect to the grid, a process known as “generator interconnection.” Currently, lack of transmission capacity and outdated interconnection processes are presenting reliability challenges by slowing the process of getting new, clean resources online. The Generator Interconnection Scorecard, authored by Grid Strategies and The Brattle Group and recently released by Advanced Energy United, is the first-ever evaluation of the seven regional transmission system operators on their generator interconnection processes. While the scorecard identifies a few bright spots, overall, it concludes that, nearly everywhere, significant improvements are needed to enable new resources to connect to the grid in a predictable, cost-effective, and reliable manner. You can find links to the Generator Interconnection Scorecard and other helpful resources about transmission on our resource hub.
Policy Updates
Updates on Federal Transmission Happenings
Nominations for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)
In March, the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) held a hearing in response to the Biden administration's nomination of three candidates for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). FERC is the federal agency that regulates the interstate transmission of electricity, oil, and gas in the United States, and sets the rules and tariffs for energy transmission that impact the nation’s electric grid.
If the Senate confirms Lindsay See, David Rosner, and Judy Chang, they will join Chairman Willie L. Phillips and Commissioner Mark C. Christie, restoring the Commission to its full membership of 5 (current Commissioner Allison Clements has a term expiring June 30 and has announced her intention to step down). This is crucial for maintaining the efficiency and fairness of energy systems nationwide.
FERC Transmission Planning Rulemaking
FERC has been working for more than two years on a major rulemaking that would overhaul regional transmission planning requirements and is expected to release a final rule this Spring. The lack of comprehensive regional transmission planning has led to various negative impacts, including higher consumer costs and inadequate transmission investment. This final ruling will tackle contentious issues like how to plan for transmission in the long term, who pays for it, and when existing operators should get priority. MISO, a regional transmission organization, has shown that effective planning can overcome these challenges, and may be a model for other grid operators. A strong final order from FERC is essential to ensure that planning and paying for transmission lines are fair, efficient, and beneficial for everyone involved in the future.
Department of Energy’s Atlantic Offshore Wind Transmission Study
In late March, the U.S. Dept. of Energy released its final transmission study for offshore wind conducted by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Looking at the Atlantic Coast from Maine to South Carolina, the study compares the costs and benefits of five different development scenarios. The study findings include a conclusion that building a coordinated interregional offshore transmission network is likely to deliver greater benefits and a higher benefit-to-cost ratio than scenarios without interregional linking of transmission cables. To learn more, you can review the Executive Summary and the Full Report.
Advancing Grid-Enhancing Technologies (GETs) Act
In the U.S. House of Representatives, the Advancing Grid-Enhancing Technologies (GETs) Act was introduced by Reps. Castor (FL), Tonko (NY), and Peters (CA), alongside Sens. Welch (VT) and King (ME). This legislation aims to bolster investments in technologies that enhance the capacity of the U.S. power grid.
Building on recent efforts, including a letter urging the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to implement incentives supporting the deployment of GETs, this Act would support using technologies that maximize existing transmission infrastructure. The Advancing GETs Act incentivizes GETs adoption through a shared savings program, ensuring cost-effectiveness and grid reliability. Furthermore, the bill mandates FERC to establish reporting mechanisms for congestion costs and directs the DOE to provide technical support for GETs projects, emphasizing a comprehensive approach to grid modernization and clean energy advancement. Read the full text of the bill.
State Transmission Policies
Every day, millions of Americans depend on the energy grid to power their lives, yet our transmission infrastructure is overdue for an upgrade. With new transmission projects taking years to complete, we need immediate solutions to meet our electrification needs. Grid-Enhancing Technologies (GETs) and high-performance conductors offer promising solutions to optimize our current transmission grid while we build additional lines for the future.
To learn more about GETs, high-performance conductors, and how they help get more out of the existing transmission grid, watch the video below.
In 2024, several states have introduced legislation on GETs and high-performance conductors to optimize transmission infrastructure. Check out recent policy initiatives about GETs happening in states and be sure to explore the state-specific resources in our resource hub.
California:
SB 1006, led by Senator Padilla in California, would support advanced transmission technologies by requiring transmission utilities to work with the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) to jointly prepare a strategic plan to deploy them. AB 3246, led by Assemblymember Garcia, focuses on streamlining the process of deploying advanced reconductoring technologies on existing transmission lines.
AB 2779, led by Assemblymember Petrie-Norris, requires CAISO to report to the CPUC and legislature any new use of GETs that are planned to be deployed and the cost savings that will be generated.
Connecticut:
Connecticut'sHouse Bill 5406, seeks to improve grid performance and clean energy integration through grid-enhancing technologies. The bill proposes establishing a task force to study the state's transmission infrastructure, focusing on advancements such as dynamic line rating and power flow control.
Massachusetts:
There are currently two GETs bills in Massachusetts, HB 4222 and SB 2531, both of which would mandate electric utilities to evaluate Grid Enhancing Technologies (GETs), advanced reconductoring and storage as essential transmission assets when allocating capital for grid upgrades.
Virginia:
Virginia's GETs House Bill, HB862, passed both chambers and sits on the Governor’s desk. This bipartisan legislation directs utilities to integrate grid-enhancing technologies (GETs) and advanced conductors into their Integrated Resource Plans (IRPs) and other regulatory filings, with the aim of maximizing the efficiency of Virginia's existing grid. Additionally, the bill mandates a comprehensive assessment of GETs and advanced conductors for proposed transmission lines, emphasizing cost-effective solutions and sustainability.
Minnesota:
In Minnesota, legislators have included steps to accelerate the adoption of grid-enhancing technologies (GETs) as part of their comprehensive energy policy agenda. One such initiative, HF 3704, mandates utility companies to investigate grid congestion issues and assess the potential of GETs to alleviate them. The outcome of this study would then help shape the development of a strategic plan for implementing these technologies.
Updates from our Coalition Partners
ACEG Presents: History of the Transmission Policy Landscape, April 24
Join Congressman Sean Casten (D-IL), former FERC Commissioner Nora Mead Brownell, and Rob Gramlich of Grid Strategies, for an ACEG webinar on the history of the transmission policy landscape, with opening remarks from Senator Ed Markey (D-MA). Sign up here!
ACORE Webinar, “Clean Energy Advocates React to FERC’s Transmission Rulemaking,” May 2
Leaders from the U.S. clean energy sector and transmission advocates will react to the FERC’s final rulemaking and discuss next steps FERC can take to further enable the transmission capacity expansion necessary to meet current and future electricity demand. You can register here.
Fostering Collaboration Would Help Build Needed Transmission
Feb 2024 | by Rob Gramlich, Richard Doying, and Zach Zimmerman
Grid Strategies' report delves into the role of collaboration in expanding the nation's transmission capacity. Emphasizing the benefits of information sharing and stakeholder consensus, learn more about why it is necessary to urge policymakers to prioritize effective collaboration for a timely and efficient transmission buildout. Read More.
Contextualizing Electric Transmission Permitting: Data from 2010 to 2020
March 2024 | by Clean Air Task Force
Electric transmission is crucial for grid reliability, connecting new energy sources, and reducing congestion. Federal permitting, especially for major projects, presents challenges. This report examines how federal permitting affected new transmission lines added to the US bulk power system from 2010 to 2020, aiming to inform policy discussions on grid reliability and affordability. Read More.
GETting Interconnected in PJM: Grid-Enhancing Technologies (GETs) Can Increase the Speed and Scale of New Entry from PJM’s Queue
March 2024 | by RMI
Surging levels of new clean generation and storage projects in development as well as rapidly rising demand for electricity have come up against an aging grid that is nearing maximum capacity. This bottleneck poses major problems for grid reliability, economic development, and climate policy. In this analysis, RMI assesses the potential for grid-enhancing technologies (GETs) to facilitate the cost-effective, timely interconnection of new generation within the PJM Interconnection. Download the Report.
Stay Tuned! RMI States in Sync: The Western Win-Win Transmission Opportunity
RMI’s forthcoming States in Sync report offers an overview of transmission planning in the West, accompanied by recommendations for states to enhance their involvement in the process. The report comprises two key analyses: (1) an assessment of potential growth in clean energy markets under three load scenarios and the transmission constraints for traditional energy export states (MT, WY, CO, and NM) seeking access to those markets, and (2) an energy modeling effort to quantify the cost reductions from achieving clean energy goals in the West collaboratively compared to pursuing state goals independently within a single state.
Learn more about the collaborative efforts between MISO and PJM in advancing interregional transmission planning as well as strategies for enhancing innovation and optimizing outcomes through a revised planning process aligned with clean energy objectives and strengthening grid resilience. Read More.
DOE Reports Chart Path for East Coast Offshore Wind to Support a Reliable, Affordable Electricity System
Read the latest insights from the U.S. Department of Energy's comprehensive study on Atlantic Offshore Wind Transmission, which evaluates options for integrating offshore wind energy into the East Coast grid. Learn more about what strategies are being implemented to enhance reliability, reduce costs, and advance clean energy goals outlined by the Biden-Harris Administration. Read More.
Stay updated on energy sector developments amid regulatory shifts, including impending FERC commissioner transitions and ongoing policy discussions. Learn about cases on transmission cost allocation in New Jersey and Colorado, and considerations of return on equity amidst wildfire risks in California. Read More.
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