Utility Dive•21 days ago
Transmission planning, development improved since 2023 in most US regions: report
Key Takeaway
Uneven progress in US transmission planning, particularly the decline in Texas and continued failure in the Southeast, creates critical regional challenges for developers and large power consumers seeking reliable and cost-effective grid access.
AI Summary
- •Most US regions have shown improvement in transmission planning and development since 2023, indicating a positive trend for grid modernization.
- •Texas (ERCOT) saw its transmission planning grade decline to a 'D-', suggesting increasing challenges for connecting new generation and serving growing demand in the region.
- •The Southeast continues to receive failing marks for transmission, highlighting persistent bottlenecks and regulatory hurdles that impede new project development and reliable power delivery.
- •For developers, these regional disparities mean varying levels of risk and opportunity; improved regions may offer faster interconnection, while 'D-' and failing regions signal potential delays, higher costs, and grid congestion.
- •Large power consumers, especially those with significant load growth like datacenters, face heightened reliability and cost concerns in regions with poor transmission grades due to potential grid instability and limited access to new, cheaper power sources.
Topics
datacenterercotinterconnectpolicytransmission