AWEA report highlights need for transmission investment
The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) recently released a report, Grid Vision: The Electric Highway to a 21st Century Economy, which highlights the need for well-planned transmission investment in the United States.
The report covers more than a dozen independent studies that quantify benefits provided by transmission investments. It notes that grid operator analysis consistently finds that well-designed transmission projects provide consumer benefits that are two to four times greater than their costs. It also outlines policy reforms surrounding three themes: planning, paying, and permitting.
“No matter your end goal—improving resiliency and reliability, driving down electricity costs, or reducing carbon emissions—modernizing the grid and expanding transmission is a common denominator,” Amy Farrell, AWEA senior vice president of government and public affairs, said. “Today’s report presents overwhelming evidence that investing in transmission is a no-regrets down payment for future economic growth.”
The report also highlights how technology-driven changes in the sources of electricity supply and demand are impacting the importance of transmission. Increased electricity from solar power, for example, requires a strong transmission system. Electrification of transportation and heating is also increasing demand.
“We all seem to agree on the challenge. We have an obvious solution and billions in private investment ready to invest,” Farrell said. “We don’t have to wait—the bipartisan support exists to act now. Let’s make a smart down payment on our future by updating and expanding America’s electric grid.”
