David Gardiner and Associates’ Post

Today, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission finalized its regional planning and cost allocation rule, which was under consideration for nearly two years. Americans for a Clean Energy Grid (ACEG) Executive Director Christina Hayes issued the following statement: "Americans for a Clean Energy Grid applauds the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for finalizing a strong and comprehensive regional planning and cost allocation rule. Today’s rule will help ensure that transmission is planned in a proactive and comprehensive way that accounts for the economic and reliability benefits of a well-connected grid. This is key step in the long journey to developing a modern grid, and will have major impacts on lowering customers’ costs, driving economic development, and bolstering grid reliability. “Now, it’s time to implement this rule. Regions must develop their compliance filings over the next few months so that transmission can be planned and developed as soon as practicable. We look forward to working with and supporting the interested parties as they move forward with the next steps in compliance and build out the 21st century grid.” https://lnkd.in/eXxmAMiX

Texas is leading a 19-state coalition challenging a federal agency requiring states to implement a “green energy” transition. The states filed a complaint with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in response to a rule it passed to advance unprecedented federal control over the U.S. electric grid. Currently, state regulatory bodies determine the most efficient mix of energy sources for their states. FERC’s new rule appears to be an unfunded mandate, requiring states to implement “green energy” electricity generation and cover the costs to transition to it. Texas, which maintains its own electric grid, filed the complaint, leading a 19-state coalition. It argues FERC’s rule exceeds its authority, is arbitrary and capricious and creates an “unjust, unreasonable, and/or unduly discriminatory rates” that violate the Federal Power Act. The coalition includes Texas, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee and Utah. At issue is the FERC’s May 13, 2024, Order No. 1920, which states, “there is substantial evidence to support the conclusion that the existing regional transmission planning and cost allocation processes are unjust, unreasonable, and unduly discriminatory or preferential because the Commission’s existing transmission planning and cost allocation requirements do not require transmission providers to: (1) perform a sufficiently long-term assessment of transmission needs that identifies Long-Term Transmission Needs; (2) adequately account on a forward looking basis for known determinants of Long-Term Transmission Needs; and (3) consider the broader set of benefits of regional transmission facilities planned to meet those Long-Term Transmission Needs.” #ferc #texas #fercorder1920 #energytransition #transmissionplanning #grid #federalpoweract #longtermtransmissionneeds #regionalcooperation #worldgameworkshop

Today, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) acted on rehearing requests related to Order No. 1920 and issued Order No. 1920A. Order No. 1920A largely upholds the original order and includes several clarifications and modifications based on arguments raised on rehearing.   Today's rehearing order strengthens the role of state regulators in long-term regional transmission planning, particularly in scenario development and cost allocation. The Order passed 4-0 with bipartisan support.   Americans for a Clean Energy Grid (ACEG) Executive Director Christina Hayes released the following statement:   “ACEG applauds FERC for finalizing Order No. 1920A, which will help to further strengthen regional transmission planning practices. In doing so, the Commission demonstrated their ongoing commitment to bolster the reliability and affordability of electricity for all Americans. We appreciate Chairman Willie Phillips’ leadership on this issue, and look forward to working with all commissioners as the Order is implemented.    “Now, regions must continue to develop their compliance filings so that transmission can be planned and developed as soon as practicable. We look forward to supporting the interested parties as they move forward with the next steps in compliance and build out the 21st century grid.” https://lnkd.in/gbRxQWP4

One of the themes I heard at the Texas Energy Summit this week was that electric transmission continues to be one of the major bottlenecks in our #EnergyTransition and ability to get clean energy to where it is used. Even in Texas where we move faster than other states, it's an issue. This update to FERC Order 1920 is a big step in helping the other parts of the country move faster. It also makes it all the more important that citizens speak up to their state regulators on the importance of investing in transmission and moving fast. This is why PowerLines and other orgs like Americans for a Clean Energy Grid (ACEG) are so important. If you want reliable, affordable, and resilient electricity for your work and personal life. Consider supporting these orgs and their efforts.

Our Jennifer Danis has offered some thoughts on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's soon-to-be-finalized transmission rule and the role that modeling should play in grid expansion planning. Read the full blog here ⬇ https://lnkd.in/g-_AP37S

For those who missed the recent webinar from the Institute for Policy Integrity at NYU School of Law on electrification research and policy, the full recording is now available to watch: https://lnkd.in/gW2mRNQ4 The discussion covered key topics closely aligned with the goals of the C-CHARM project around decarbonization and facilitating the transition to clean energy sources. As we continue our efforts in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, sharing knowledge and fostering dialogue between researchers, policymakers and industry leaders is vital. #Electrification #CleanEnergy #Decarbonization #Research #PolicyAnalysis

These new rules are one step toward creating future energy reliability and strengthening our long-term energy security.

Insight into the impact of reducing supply side sources of electricity (ie. removal of quick dispatch fossil fuel supplied power plants) in a world with increasing demand to electrify everything. History has shown us that even with new sources of energy (bio -> fossil being the best example) the use of the last generation source does not decline and it certainly does not disappear. If you want to eliminate fossil fuels, you better have an alternative source in place and have it capable of quick dispatch to cover seasonal peaks in load.

A real breakthrough in advancing clean energy

What if the New England States through their official voice known New England States Committee on Electricity (NESCOE), along with the official stakeholder body for the energy industry in the region (the New England Power Pool - "NEPOOL") and the electric system operator for the region (ISO New England Inc.) were to come together to come up with a process for planning and building needed upgrades to the regional electricity system to meet the need for reliable and affordable power for our homes and businesses while taking into account the policy needs and mandates of the States? What if the rules they proposed to do that addressed long running questions about how to fairly and reasonably spread the cost of needed improvements across the region? What if the proposal moved through the federal regulatory process, at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission with some comments about the details but without a single official protest or comment opposing it? What if the proposal for these new rules were approved by that Federal regulator (FERC) unanimously, across party lines bringing together Commissioners who didn't agree about a similar mechanism that applied across the nation? Well, all of these things happened. https://lnkd.in/gF_d3mqi This is a very big deal that has not gotten enough attention and I don't just say that because I was trying to put something like this in place back in 2012 and I am excited it finally got done. This new "Longer-Term Transmission Planning Process" (LTTP, the energy world does love acronyms) builds on models from other places, like the "State Agreement Approach" set up by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities with PJM Interconnection (the grid operator down there) but is specifically shaped to work in New England. The work to use this new tool to meet the energy, economic and environmental needs of New England won't be easy or glamorous but it will be critical to keeping the lights on, addressing the climate crisis. I am hopeful that the #cleanenergy community, including my current #offshorewind neighborhood, will be a useful part of the team to get that job done.