Organizations call on FERC to support large-scale transmission

More than two dozen organizations called for support of large-scale electric transmission expansion in a response to the Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANOPR) on regional transmission planning, cost allocation and generator interconnection issued in July by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).

“We encourage moving towards rules that improve the structures and regulations under the Commission’s jurisdiction that enable large-scale regional and interregional transmission expansion to ensure that we have a resilient, clean, reliable, and affordable power system,” the group of organizations wrote in a letter to FERC.

The signatories included utilities, non-governmental organizations, think tanks, labor unions, state energy officials, national trade associations, agricultural and environmental organizations. Most of them are supporters of the Macro Grid Initiative, a joint effort of the American Council on Renewable Energy and Americans for a Clean Energy Grid to expand and upgrade the nation’s transmission network. Organizations that signed letter include the American Clean Power Association, Con Edison Transmission Inc., Enel North America Inc., the National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO), and the Solar Energy Industries Association, among others.

The letter identifies several ways electricity users benefit from transmission, such as enhancing reliability and facilitating the transition to clean energy to achieve decarbonization goals. The signatories also commended FERC for creating the Federal-State Joint Task Force on Transmission and for working with states in its rulemaking process.

“The diverse group of signatories on this joint statement understand that expanding and upgrading the nation’s transmission network will deliver jobs and economic development, a cleaner environment, and lower costs for consumers. The Macro Grid Initiative applauds FERC for initiating the ANOPR process, which we hope brings us one step closer to the 21st century Macro Grid we know is needed to deliver the reliable, affordable, and clean energy future that Americans want and deserve,” Barbara Tyran, director of the Macro Grid Initiative, said.