Arizona
On June 21, Governor Katie Hobbs signed HB2003 into law, simplifying the process for replacing transmission line structures without requiring new environmental reviews. This amendment to the Arizona Revised Statutes allows utilities to replace conductors or wires on transmission lines or existing transmission line structures without seeking a new certificate of environmental compatibility, streamlining maintenance and upgrade processes.
California
On May 23, the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) Board approved the ISO’s 2023-2024 transmission plan, which includes a $6.1 billion investment in 26 new projects. These projects are designed to support the addition of 85 gigawatts (GW) of capacity by 2035, including the development of offshore wind energy from the North Coast to the California grid. Additionally, the CAISO Board approved Pattern Energy’s application to tie its 550-mile SunZia line into the California system. This line, currently under construction, will run between central New Mexico and south-central Arizona, with the capacity to transport 3,000 megawatts (MW) of wind energy to California and neighboring states. Press Release.
Additionally, on June 12 the CAISO Board unanimously approved the ISO’s Interconnection Process Enhancements proposal, the product of more than a year of stakeholder engagement and rigorous troubleshooting. Read More.
On June 17, AB2779 passed the Senate Appropriations Committee. It is now on the Senate Floor and will likely be voted out in August. This bill requires CAISO, upon approval of each transmission plan, to report to the CPUC and the legislature any new use of any GET in that plan and the cost or efficiency savings of the deployment of that GET.
On June 25, SB1006 passed the Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee with a unanimous vote and was referred to the Appropriations Committee. After amendments taken in committee, this bill requires utilities to prepare a study of the feasibility of projects using grid-enhancing technologies every 2 years and another study of which of its transmission lines can be reconductored with advanced conductors every 4 years. Each study would include information on how the projects could achieve increased capacity, decreased congestion, increased reliability, and reduced wildfire risk, among others. Upon completion of the studies, utilities must request CAISO to review the results as part of its TPP for economic, reliability, and policy goals.
On June 25, AB3246 passed the Senate Energy Committee with bipartisan support and was referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee. This bill requires the CPUC, on or before January 1, 2026, to streamline the permitting process for advanced reconductoring by allowing a utility to seek CPUC approval for these projects through its informal advice letter process.
On July 3, AB3238 passed the Senate Environmental Quality Committee and was referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee with an agreement between the author and the committee Chair to narrow the bill to just the provisions in the GO 131-D settlement agreement, which seeks to streamline transmission permitting.
Illinois
On June 4, the Illinois Commerce Commission adopted a Renewable Energy Access Plan (REAP). This plan asks utilities and transmission operators to consider grid-enhancing technologies in their transmission planning processes. The adoption of REAP is expected to facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources and improve grid reliability and efficiency. This strategic approach underscores the importance of modernizing the grid to meet future energy demands and support the state’s clean energy goals. Read More.
Massachusetts
On June 25, the Massachusetts Senate passed S2838, a wide-ranging energy and climate bill that includes provisions that would address advancing grid-enhancing technologies (GETs) and advanced conductors within the state's electric transmission and distribution infrastructure. The bill mandates utilities to analyze the cost-effectiveness of GETs versus traditional improvements and encourages the adoption of technologies like dynamic line rating, advanced power flow control, advanced conductors, and energy storage when used as a transmission resource. Utilities must submit detailed progress reports every five years to the Department of Public Utilities, ISO-New England, and the Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy Committee, ensuring alignment with state energy goals.
New York
On May 23, National Grid announced plans to invest $35 billion in New York and Massachusetts over the next five years. In New York, the company plans to spend approximately $21 billion by 2029 to improve reliability and resilience and expand the deliverability of renewable energy across the state. In New England, National Grid plans to invest about $14 billion, including in its Massachusetts Electric Sector Modernization Plan. This plan aims to upgrade and expand the state’s grid, accelerate the interconnection of renewables, and roll out new customer programs to encourage energy efficiency. Read More.
Southwest Power Pool to Provide Extended RTO Services
On June 4, SPP (Southwest Power Pool) filed amendments to its tariff with FERC, including provisions specific to its Western members. Pending FERC’s approval, SPP will provide full Regional Transmission Organization (RTO) services in both the Eastern and Western Interconnections of the nation’s power grid beginning in early 2026. This development marks a significant expansion of SPP’s operational scope, potentially enhancing grid reliability and efficiency across a broader geographic area. Read More.
Northeast States Announce Agreement to Enhance Collaboration in Pursuing Electric Transmission
On July 9, ten northeastern states signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish the Northeast States Collaborative on Interregional Transmission. This agreement aims to enhance interregional electric transmission planning and development, improving electricity flow between three planning regions in the Northeast and addressing offshore wind infrastructure needs. This initiative marks a significant step in regional cooperation, aiming to build a more reliable and resilient electric grid while driving down consumer costs and supporting clean energy goals. Read More.
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