FERC seeking public comment on rule to help transition to clean energy future
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is seeking public comment on a new rule that seeks to improve the transition to a cleaner energy future.
The rule, called Building for the Future Through Electric Regional Transmission Planning and Cost Allocation and Generator Interconnection, recognizes that the changing resource mix will create new demands for the expansion of the transmission system. It also looks at whether the existing approach to transmission planning, cost allocation, and interconnection is consistent with the requirements of the Federal Power Act.
“As the generation fleet shifts at an unprecedented rate from resources located closer to population centers towards resources located far from load centers, we must evaluate whether our transmission planning and cost allocation and generator interconnection processes require a more innovative and anticipatory approach,” FERC Chairman Rich Glick said. “A piecemeal approach to expanding the transmission system is not going to get the job done. We must take steps today to build the transmission that tomorrow’s new generation resources will require.”
FERC is seeking comment on potential reforms in three specific areas. One is reforms for longer-term regional transmission planning and cost allocation processes that consider anticipated future generation. The second is related to rethinking cost responsibility for regional transmission facilities and interconnection-related network upgrades. The third area is on enhanced transmission oversight.
“Today’s action is a critical first step in ensuring that FERC is thinking innovatively and actually anticipating transmission that will meet the needs of new generation as our nation continues to aggressively transition to a clean energy future,” Glick said. “This is the Commission’s first effort at major transmission reform in a decade, and I look forward to moving as expeditiously as possible to advance these conversations.”
The group, Americans for a Clean Energy Grid, applauded FERC’s actions to address the issue.
“We are very excited to see the unanimous support of FERC Commissioners supporting an important step to remedy transmission interconnection and planning infirmities. The world has changed, and transmission planners need to plan for today’s and tomorrow’s world, not yesterday’s. We look forward to participating in the process with other stakeholders,” Rob Gramlich, executive director of Americans for a Clean Energy Grid, said.
The American Clean Power Association (ACP) also backs the initiative.
“Reforms to FERC’s rules for transmission planning, cost allocation, and interconnection hold the promise of unlocking investments that will spur the development of additional high-priority, high-voltage transmission lines that will help move cheaper and cleaner electricity to where it is needed. This will help keep pace with the administration’s targets to decarbonize the energy sector, and create thousands of jobs needed to build this infrastructure, Heather Zichal, CEO of the American Clean Power Association, said.
