The Transmission Possible Newsletter

06/26/2025

Summer 2025 – brought to you by a reliable grid!

Happy Summer Solstice! 

As we enjoy the long days of summer and vacations, cookouts, and cooling off indoors, it’s worth remembering that this season also puts serious stress on our electric grid. Extreme heat drives up energy demand, while severe weather events can knock out critical energy infrastructure, jeopardizing the health and safety of the places we work and live. Transmission plays a pivotal role in these challenges, and we need to continue to invest in this critical infrastructure.

Earlier this month, NERC released its 2025 State of Reliability report, finding that while the grid remained reliable in 2024, the outlook is more uncertain. Demand is rising sharply due to increased energy loads, while weather events continue to be the leading cause of major outages. An opinion column in the New York Times recently noted, “the country’s aging grid is a bottleneck that could undercut reliability and stall clean energy progress.” The message is clear: strengthening our transmission system is essential not just to meet our growing energy needs, but to keep the lights on during the hottest days of the year.

Let’s keep up the momentum. Watch our video on grid reliability to learn how transmission can help prevent outages and protect our communities during extreme weather. 

-  The Transmission Possible Team

Policy Updates

Federal Transmission Happenings 

Supreme Court Narrows NEPA Review Scope
On May 29, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a unanimous decision in Seven County Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County, ruling that NEPA does not require agencies to analyze environmental impacts of unrelated future projects. The ruling, seen by many as a significant permitting reform, could reduce legal delays for transmission infrastructure. FERC Chair Christie called it “the most important permitting reform in decades.”

Congress Moves to Rescind Key IRA Transmission Funds
On May 22, the House passed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” a sweeping reconciliation package that would rescind billions in Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) funds, targeting DOE loan programs and grants that support national interest corridors, interregional planning, and local siting assistance. The bill also proposes NEPA reforms that would allow project sponsors to fast-track environmental reviews for a fee with limited judicial review, raising new concerns for equitable permitting and public input. While framed as general infrastructure reform, transmission could be heavily affected. Now, attention has turned to the U.S. Senate, which is working on its own version of the bill.

DOE Tightens Oversight of Grid Funds
DOE Secretary Chris Wright issued a new directive mandating case-by-case reviews for major energy infrastructure awards to ensure they align with current administration priorities. The review includes $8.4B in Grid Deployment Office and $7.3B from the Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains.

DOE Confirmation and Rulemaking on Cross-Border Transmission
DOE has added to its leadership team, with former FERC Chair James Danly confirmed as Deputy Secretary and energy investor Greg Beard expected to lead the Loan Programs Office. The Department also proposed streamlining permits for cross-border transmission and announced plans to rescind outdated regulatory provisions, signaling a broader effort to align DOE permitting with the evolving needs of the grid.

White House Nominates Laura Swett to FERC

Following the departure of Commissioner Willie Phillips and the pending exit of Chairman Mark Christie, the White House has nominated energy attorney Laura Swett to serve on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Her confirmation would further tip the Commission’s balance during a pivotal moment for implementing FERC Order 1920 and advancing long-term grid planning.

FERC Rejects MISO's Fast-Track Proposal
On May 16, in a 2-1 vote, FERC rejected MISO’s Expedited Resource Addition Study (ERAS), which aimed to expedite the movement of shovel-ready projects through the queue. Commissioners Rosner and See cited the lack of clarity and safeguards; Chair Christie dissented.

Regional Transmission Updates

CAISO Approves $4.8B Transmission Plan
The California ISO Board approved its 2024–2025 transmission plan, clearing the way for 31 new projects to meet rising demand from electrification, EV growth, and new data centers, especially in the Bay Area.

Highlights include:

• A new 500 kV line to reinforce Bay Area reliability
• Five reconductoring projects using advanced conductors
• Strategic 115–230 kV upgrades across Oakland and San Jose

The plan looks 15 years ahead and prioritizes cost-effective solutions like grid-enhancing technologies to boost capacity without building entirely new corridors.

Offshore Wind Access Moves Forward: CAISO Picks Viridon

On May 16, CAISO approved Viridon to develop two major lines—the $4 billion Collinsville and Fern Road projects—to bring offshore wind from Northern California into the grid. The lines are part of the state's larger infrastructure push to meet long-term clean energy targets and are expected to unlock major capacity from the Humboldt area.

TransWest Express Breaks Ground In Utah
Construction has officially begun on the Utah terminal of the 732-mile TransWest Express line, which will deliver 3,000 MW of Wyoming wind to load centers in the Southwest. This marks a major milestone for interregional transmission as one of the largest builds currently underway in the U.S.

Electricity Demand Forecasts Surge Nationwide
New forecasts from EIA and ICF show sharp growth in U.S. electricity demand—up 25% by 2030 and 78% by 2050. The shift reflects sustained load growth tied to electrification, AI, and industrial reshoring, with peak demand expected to grow 14% by 2030 and 54% by 2050 —underscoring the urgent need for long-term transmission investment and smarter regional coordination.

State Transmission Updates

Momentum is building across the states, with a wave of new legislation aimed at modernizing transmission, streamlining permitting, and deploying advanced grid technologies.

California

SB 331 – Streamlined Permitting for Transmission Projects

Status: Passed One Chamber (June 16)

Allow developers to designate the California Energy Commission (CEC) as the lead agency for CEQA reviews on transmission projects. SB 331 aims to accelerate transmission expansion to support the state’s clean energy transition while maintaining environmental oversight.

SB 330 – Transmission Pilot Project Authority 

Status: Referred to Comms. on Energy and Natural Resources (June 9)

Authorizes the Governor to establish pilot projects for the development, financing, and operation of electrical transmission infrastructure to support the state’s clean energy goals. The Governor would be responsible for designating state agencies, local public agencies, tribal organizations, or joint powers authorities to implement and oversee these projects, with transmission infrastructure controlled by a California balancing authority. The Joint Legislative Budget Committee must review and approve any pilot projects before they proceed.

AB 745 – CPUC Oversight of Transmission Projects 

Status: In Senate, Referred to Committee on Rules (June 30)

Requires the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to review and approve transmission line projects, including extensions, expansions, upgrades, and modifications initiated by electrical corporations. AB 745 aims to enhance regulatory oversight and expedite transmission development to support grid reliability and clean energy integration.

AB 825 – Public Transmission Financing Program 
Status: In Senate, Referred to Committee on Rules (June 9)

Establishes a Public Transmission Financing Program through California’s Infrastructure Bank to support publicly sponsored transmission projects. The bill enables direct funding, revenue bonds, and debt financing—paired with labor standards like prevailing wages and apprenticeship requirements. The fund would prioritize public-interest projects, with up to $325 million proposed from state resilience funds. Additional safeguards require transparency on customer bill credits and restrict cost recovery through FERC unless strict cost-based criteria are met.

Connecticut

SB 4 - An Act Concerning Energy Affordability, Access, and Accountability 
Status: Passed the Connecticut Legislature and Pending (Likely) Signature from Governor Lamont

This bill aims to provide nearly $400 million in annual savings for Connecticut consumers by reducing electric bills. It also seeks to lay the groundwork for longer-term reductions in public benefits charges and cuts in supply, delivery, and transmission fees. Additionally, this package includes language from HB 7017, a Transmission Possible legislative priority that requires electric distribution companies or transmission owners to consider advanced transmission technologies in their transmission plans and demonstrate the cost-effectiveness of these technologies.

Delaware

SB 61 – PJM Voting Transparency

Status: Reported Out of House Natural Resources & Energy (May 7)

This bill would require annual reporting by utilities and public advocates detailing all recorded PJM stakeholder votes—and how those votes served the public interest. It aims to improve transparency as PJM navigates major transmission and market decisions.

Massachusetts

Order 25-69 – An Act Promoting a Clean Energy Grid, Advancing Equity, and Protecting Ratepayers
The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities has begun its compliance process for the 2024 Climate Bill, which requires the department to investigate Advanced Transmission Technologies, such as GETs and Advanced Conductors, and requires utilities to include them in their reports. The DPU Order 25-69 seeks responses to specific questions from both utilities and vendors, with filings due on July 3.

Montana

SB301 – Revising Utility Line and Facility Approvals 
Status: Signed by Governor (May 12)

Streamlines the regulatory process for transmission infrastructure in Montana by allowing utilities to seek a certificate of public convenience and necessity from the Public Service Commission for projects rated over 69 kV, prior to construction. The bill also enables utilities to apply for advanced cost approval of transmission lines and related facilities. The Public Service Commission must act on these applications within 90 days. If approved, utilities may receive a presumption of reasonableness in future rate cases, provided that actual construction costs remain within the approved budget.

Ohio

HB 15 – Advanced Transmission Technologies + Energy Reform 
Status: Signed by Governor (May 15)

Mandates Ohio utilities to evaluate advanced transmission technologies (ATTs) in all new transmission project proposals and requires the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) to study broader deployment strategies. In addition to its transmission provisions, HB 15 overhauls the state’s competitive energy law, repeals cost recovery mechanisms for legacy generation (including portions of HB 6), establishes a $40 million school energy efficiency and solar loan fund, and strengthens consumer protections. It also expands behind-the-meter generation, reduces certain taxes on clean energy, and clarifies storage use restrictions in wholesale markets.

Updates From Our Coalition Partners

Resources and Reports

Report: Large-scale Transmission Deployment Saves Consumers Money
ACEG & Grid Strategies | June 2025

A new report, Large-scale Transmission Deployment Saves Consumers Money, from ACEG and Grid Strategies, provides analysis showing that well-planned, high-capacity transmission lines not only support the clean energy transition but also deliver significant savings for ratepayers. According to the report, thoughtful transmission investment could generate up to $14.4 billion in annual electricity cost savings for U.S. households. That’s a return of up to $4.70 for every $1 invested—not including added benefits like job creation and regional economic development. The findings reinforce a growing consensus: building out the grid with intention and scale is a win for reliability, affordability, and everyday consumers. Read more.

Report: Resource Adequacy Value on Interregional Transmission

ACEG, Grid Strategies & Grid United | 2025

A new report, Resource Adequacy Value on Interregional Transmission, from ACEG, Grid Strategies, and Grid United reinforces what many grid advocates have long understood: interregional transmission is not just about long-term planning—it’s a near-term tool for reliability and resource adequacy. With regions facing different peak demands and extreme weather events becoming more common, the ability to shift power across RTO and state lines is critical. Yet, most planning structures still fail to account for that value. The report calls on FERC, RTOs, and state regulators to adopt consistent methods for assessing and crediting the capacity value of interregional lines—especially when they deliver cross-boundary resilience. Read more.

Article: Powering the Future: Why Transmission Planning in New England Matters for Consumers and Communities
Acadia Center & NRDC | April 2025

In their blog, Acadia Center and NRDC give an overview of the critical ISO New England Longer-Term Transmission Planning Process (LTTP) that is working to achieve the goals of more regional transmission planning and procurements with state goals in mind, and how generally, LTTP is a strong step in the right direction. However, NRDC and Acadia Center advocate for stronger community engagement in the process, more incentivization of the use of existing rights-of-way, and the integration of grid-enhancing technologies. With proposals due this fall and a final selection expected in 2026, all eyes should be on whether this next wave of the transmission planning process delivers the reliability, equity, and scale the clean energy transition demands. Read more.

Transmission News Roundup

Capital Journal: South Dakota’s Energy Costs Are Rising – And an Outdated Grid Is to Blame

Clarion Ledger: Ex Public Service Commissioner: From Gridiron Rivals to Grid-Planning Allies

RTO Insider: Construction Begins on Utah Portion of TransWest Express Line

RTO Insider: FERC Commissioners Split on Incentives for Valley Link Transmission

RTO Insider: WestTEC Tx Study on Track Despite Delays

The Salt Lake Tribune: Voices: Utah’s Energy Costs Are Rising. An Outdated Grid Is to Blame.

The Frederick News Post: Why Power Transmission Matters For Our Land, Livelihood

Utility Dive: California Could Nearly Double Generation Capacity Using Surplus Interconnection: UC Berkeley Report

Thanks,

Verna Mandez 
Transmission Possible Director