David Gardiner and Associates’ Post

Very excited to share ACEG’s final report on state policies to advance transmission modernization and expansion. We need to continue to invest in modernizing and expanding high capacity regional and interregional transmission facilities to maintain reliability, keep rates affordable, safeguard health and welfare, and support a strong economy. States have an integral role in ensuring investment in transmission is cost-effective and the electric network is built to benefit customers. This report is intended to help support advocates and state policymakers in understanding the barriers to transmission expansion and modernization and selecting policies to overcome those barriers. Many thanks to all the advocates, utilities, developers, policymakers, and organizations that shared their time and expertise to inform the report. #transmission, #economicdevelopment, #stateroles, #electricgrid, #affordableenergy

Transmission is the backbone of the electricity grid — and a crucial component to decarbonizing our economy. A new report from Americans for a Clean Energy Grid (ACEG) details how states can advance transmission modernization and expansion. Working on this report gave me the opportunity to dive into the complexities of transmission and speak with dedicated advocates and elected officials about the pivotal role this infrastructure plays in not only the clean energy transition but also maintaining a reliable and affordable electricity network.

Compelling new report from Americans for a Clean Energy Grid (ACEG): Highlights the critical role states can play in modernizing and expanding the U.S. electric transmission system. The analysis looks at state-level policies that could further transmission planning, siting & permitting reform, innovative financing, adoption of advanced transmission technologies, and more. Worth checking out: the appendix provides excerpts of legislative and regulatory language from policies discussed in the report. https://lnkd.in/exXJQpnx

Outstanding report by Americans for a Clean Energy Grid (ACEG) “State Policies to Advance Transmission Modernization and Expansion” 2024. The report highlights three categories of state #policies to encourage deployment of Advanced Transmission Technologies: 1. Directing utilities and relevant state authorities to study #GETs and #highperformanceconductors in state-level planning or permitting processes. 2. Providing financial incentives or reducing financial risk for investments in #transmission modernization where such action is legally sufficient and sustainable. 3. Creating an environment that encourages the implementation of GETs and high-performance conductors. Many thanks to Christina Hayes and her team https://lnkd.in/eskTiN6a

Really appreciate the work Americans for a Clean Energy Grid (ACEG) did to getting this report over the finish line. State decisionmakers are getting more and more worried about transmission - and more frustrated that their policy goals are hamstrung by forces outside their control. This report lays out some immediate steps to assuage this frustration: 👨🎓 Ensuring there are resources to hire expert staff and consultants to engage in transmission discussions. These conversations are insular and complex - and many states have only a small handful of transmission experts to engage with FERC, neighboring states, developers and the ISOs. These folks need reinforcements. 🚥 Reducing duplicative permitting requirements. It takes at least six or seven years to get a new transmission line built. Where possible, states need to streamline review processes and maximize the use of existing rights of way. 🔋 Incentivizing the use of grid-enhancing technologies. Shared-savings incentives or other carrots can be used to get utilities to increase adoption of these crucial technologies. While states are limited by the jurisdiction of the federal government and the ISOs/RTOs, this is an evolving area and states shouldn't be afraid to innovate. Equipping utility commissions to study GETs, advanced conductors and other advanced transmission technologies is a smart move that will help states meet the clean energy future. https://lnkd.in/eGsYYTHn

Big news in US #renewableenergy and #decarbonization! 🌐🔌🌿 The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approved a groundbreaking rule that’s set to revolutionize the U.S. electric system by a 2-1 vote. Order No. 1920 mandates grid planners and transmission owners to look 20 years ahead, considering shifts in electricity production and long-term benefits. This enables a massive build-out of renewable energy infrastructure, defend against extreme weather, and pave the way for decarbonization. The dissenting vote argued it “goes far beyond FERC’s legal authority and fails to perform our consumer protection function and the Federal Power Act.” Notably, ERCOT (Texas’s electricity grid) is not affected. https://lnkd.in/eR-g42n2

State policymakers play a critical role in advancing interconnected, high-capacity transmission by: 1. Passing supportive policies 2. Collaborating with other states, transmission owners and developers, energy customers, regional planners, and the federal government 3. Actively participating in regional and interregional planning 4. Increasing awareness around the importance and benefits of transmission 5. Ensuring regulatory processes implement policies that support transmission Learn more about how states can be key players in modernizing our grid in a new report from Americans for a Clean Energy Grid (ACEG): https://lnkd.in/eskTiN6a

ICYMI: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Order 1920: "FERC acted today to ensure the transmission grid can meet the nation’s growing demand for reliable electricity with a new rule that outlines how to plan and pay for facilities that regions of the country will need to keep the lights on and power the American economy through the 21st Century. Today’s rule, Order No. 1920, marks the first time in more than a decade that FERC has addressed regional transmission policy – and the first time the Commission has ever squarely addressed the need for long-term transmission planning." https://lnkd.in/gZEvE6dJ

Upgrading the transmission system in the US is desperately needed as the electricity load grows with more renewables in the mix. The recent FERC ruling, requiring grid operators to plan for the long term, is a crucial step in the right direction. While the implementation details may take time to clarify, it opens up a vast space for private sectors to innovate on hardware, software, and financing solutions. The intersection of power, finance, and renewable will see great opportunities moving forward! Here are some resources to learn more: https://lnkd.in/euPq7wng https://lnkd.in/erfPs4sa https://lnkd.in/ey7e6YzV https://lnkd.in/e9mUyR9n

Public comments welcome ✍ Recently, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)'s Grid Deployment Office announced a number of preliminary locations to support a new National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors initiative. Known as NIETCs, these corridors will be federally designated geographic areas where electricity limitations, congestion or capacity constraints are adversely affecting electricity consumers and communities. Currently planned, six of the 10 preliminary NIETCs would pass within WAPA’s footprint, potentially spurring urgent transmission investments. Read below to learn more about the NIETC proposal as well as how to submit comments. #hydro #electric #hydroelectric #WAPA #cleanenergy #transmission #Grid