PPH - U.S. energy regulators order grid operators to plan for more electrification

Stephen Singer
Press Herald

6/3/24

EXCERPTS

U.S. grid operators are under broad new federal orders to improve their response to growing threats of extreme weather and greater electrification required to heat and cool buildings and operate vehicles....

........“Our nation needs a new foundation to get badly needed new transmission planned, paid for and built,” he said. “With this new rule, that starts today.”

The rule change followed comments over three years from hundreds of stakeholders across the industry, “advocacy groups of all stripes,” and local, state and tribal governments, said Karin Herzfeld, senior transmission counsel at FERC.

It has been over 10 years since the commission last implemented a regional transmission policy............

.................The New England states have set aggressive goals to reduce carbon emissions. Upgrades will help avoid overloading transmission lines and transformers as electricity use increases and as offshore wind and other renewable power sources that are distant from population centers produce more of the region’s power, the ISO said.

ISO has requested a response from FERC by July 9.

Philip L. Bartlett II, chairman of the Maine Public Utilities Commission, said FERC’s rule will help utilities, regulators and others find efficient ways for rebuilding transmission and “breaking traditional logjams” to achieve climate goals at a reasonable cost in what’s known as the energy transition.

“Our chief focus is how to make the transition most affordable,” Bartlett said. “There’s no question the transition will be expensive.”...................................And utilities can save money by building out a transmission line before installing a new one, he said........................................In addition, upgraded transmission systems should provide access to less expensive generation such as solar and wind and help keep down ratepayer costs, Gramlich and Bartlett said....................................A transmission line up to 160 miles long to bring power generated by a wind farm in northern Maine was rejected by state regulators in December over cost differences. The PUC has initiated a process to reopen its procurement for transmission and generation. Regulators are asking developers to submit information by June 21.................................................................

https://www.sunjournal.com/2024/06/03/u-s-energy-regulators-order-g...

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