Transmission & Distribution: Page 2
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ERCOT considers demand response, dynamic line ratings to address South Texas transmission constraints
Grid officials say a request for proposals for demand resources would lean on “lessons learned” from a canceled October RFP for 3 GW of winter capacity.
By Robert Walton • April 26, 2024 -
DOE sets 2-year deadline for federal transmission permitting, cutting average timelines in half
In addition, the Energy Department has tentatively agreed to provide up to $331 million to an LS Power transmission project that could help create a new transmission pathway in the West and deliver wind from Idaho to California.
By Ethan Howland • April 25, 2024 -
Trendline
Grid Resiliency
Utilities and grid operators are facing increasing threats from climate change as well as cyber and physical attacks, and are deploying a variety of responses to meet the rising challenges.
By Utility Dive staff -
ERCOT launches new planning efforts as 2030 load growth projections soar 40 GW in a year
The growth is being fueled by a range of sectors, including artificial intelligence, data centers, industrial electrification, hydrogen and electric vehicles, said ERCOT President and CEO Pablo Vegas.
By Robert Walton • April 24, 2024 -
Opinion
The case for electricity transmission competition has never been clearer with today’s inflation
Both the Justice Department and the Federal Trade Commission have found that competitive bidding will improve grid sustainability and resiliency while lowering rates and increasing innovation.
By Paul Cicio • April 23, 2024 -
New England states seek federal funds for large-scale transmission, storage buildout
The funding “would be transformational for the development of renewable energy and grid resiliency across the entire Northeast region,” said Massachusetts Director of Federal Funds and Infrastructure Quentin Palfrey.
By Robert Walton • April 19, 2024 -
Democratic bill mandates FERC interconnection reforms to bring new resources online faster
The bill would help bring new power supply online to address surging demand growth and increasing grid reliability concerns, according to the R Street Institute’s Devin Hartman.
By Ethan Howland • April 18, 2024 -
DOE issues road map for speeding, improving grid interconnections to unlock 2.6-TW backlog
“There is unlikely to be any document for years to come reflecting such a comprehensive set of [interconnection] solutions,” said Tyler Norris, former head of development at Cypress Creek Renewables.
By Ethan Howland • April 18, 2024 -
Opinion
FERC’s final regional transmission rule is coming soon. It has one shot to get it right.
A strong rule will help spur the transmission lines necessary to meet America’s growing energy needs, while also setting the table for a future interregional rule to mitigate the effects of extreme weather.
By Ray Long • April 18, 2024 -
DOE cites cost, reliability concerns for new gas plants as it details how to meet surging power demand
Rising electricity demand will require a portfolio of resources, including energy storage, hydropower, nuclear, grid-enhancing technologies and demand-side management, DOE said.
By Robert Walton • April 18, 2024 -
Deep Dive
Tackling 3 key issues can help scale virtual power plants and spur a wave of benefits, analysts say
Advanced operational software, communications standards and customer compensation are needed to scale VPP size and services, cut system and customer costs and enhance reliability, key VPP players agree.
By Herman K. Trabish • April 17, 2024 -
Surging demand growth spurs openings for advanced nuclear, grid technologies: DOE’s Crane
Inflation Reduction Act and infrastructure law funding are supporting new technologies, he said, but the "missing link" is permitting reform. “Without permitting reform, what we are hindering is new zero-carbon energy sources.”
By Ethan Howland • April 17, 2024 -
VPPs, other advanced technologies could each expand existing US grid capacity 20-100 GW: DOE
Separately, AES and LineVision released a case study showing how using dynamic line ratings increased capacity on power lines in Indiana and Ohio.
By Ethan Howland • April 16, 2024 -
Pathways Initiative proposes independent power market organization for the West
The stakeholder group aims to establish an organization free of CAISO governance to run wholesale power markets, laying the groundwork for a possible regional transmission organization.
By Ethan Howland • April 11, 2024 -
FERC approves PJM’s $5.1B cost-share plan for transmission to be built by Dominion, others
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission rejected arguments that Virginia should pay a larger share for projects driven by its data center policies.
By Ethan Howland • April 10, 2024 -
Reconductoring US power lines could quadruple new transmission capacity by 2035: report
Replacing power lines with advanced conductors would boost near-term transmission capacity as longer-term greenfield projects get built, according to a Goldman School and GridLab report.
By Ethan Howland • April 9, 2024 -
South Carolina advances bill that could spur gas power for Duke, Dominion utilities, hamper solar
Renewable developers EnergyRe and Pine Gate Renewables urged lawmakers to require that utilities add about 8 GW of solar from approved integrated resource plans, with offramps.
By Ethan Howland • April 9, 2024 -
Sponsored by SSP Innovations
The business value of moving to modern network management is in data analytics
Your move to modern network management provides an opportunity to move beyond traditional GIS capabilities to advanced data analytics. Think differently with four tactical steps to position your utility for success.
By Mike Goggin, Senior Product Manager at SSP Innovations • April 8, 2024 -
Don’t count on FERC as the ‘big sugar daddy’ for new transmission, generation: Commissioner Christie
State utility regulators must have a central role in transmission planning and cost allocation, FERC Commissioner Mark Christie said Thursday. “You cannot cut states out of the process.”
By Ethan Howland • April 5, 2024 -
Bonneville staff backs joining SPP’s Markets+ day-ahead market over CAISO alternative
Bonneville Power Administration staff said they preferred the Markets+ governance structure and carbon accounting over the California Independent System Operator’s day-ahead market.
By Ethan Howland • April 5, 2024 -
DOE final distribution transformer rule adds 2 years for compliance
The agency sought a middle ground with its final rule, extending compliance timelines and adjusting efficiency targets to require less amorphous electrical steel.
By Robert Walton • April 4, 2024 -
Opinion
The manufacturing renaissance needs well-planned transmission solutions
Increased demand with variable energy supply and volatile weather conditions require a coordinated, holistic and forward-looking approach.
By Karen Onaran • April 2, 2024 -
CAISO proposes $6.1B transmission plan, mainly for offshore wind
The California Independent System Operator’s transmission plan — with $4.1 billion open for competition — would also support wind and solar imports from Arizona, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico and Wyoming.
By Ethan Howland • Updated April 2, 2024 -
SPP files Markets+ tariff in ‘significant step’ to expanding Western market options
Markets+ is expected to go live in early 2027, pending approval of the tariff by federal regulators, according to the Southwest Power Pool.
By Robert Walton • April 2, 2024 -
California PUC proposes $24 monthly fee for PG&E, SCE, SDG&E customers
The fixed charge includes discounts for income-qualified customers. Those enrolled in the California Alternate Rates for Energy program will pay approximately $6/month, for instance.
By Robert Walton • March 28, 2024 -
Deep Dive
A new era of price-based demand response emerges, but utilities and regulators need proof of its potential
New load flexibility from price-based demand response programs could be invaluable if reliability and cost-effectiveness is confirmed in real-world operating conditions, stakeholders agree.
By Herman K. Trabish • March 27, 2024