Hey there, folks! Let’s talk power lines and policy. You know, the kind that crisscross our country, pulsing with electricity? Well, they’re not just a backdrop for scenic drives; they’re the lifeblood of our energy system. And right now, they’re in dire need of an upgrade to keep up with the green energy revolution, meet our growing power needs, and stand strong against climate calamities. But here’s the thing: the process to get new lines up and running has been, to put it mildly, a bit of a mess. It’s leaned towards smaller projects that beef up utility profits without really tackling the big-picture needs. So, what’s shaking in the world of energy transmission? Let’s dive in.
FERC’s Big Move: Order 1920 and Long-Term Planning
First up, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, or FERC, just played a major card with Order 1920. This rule is a game-changer, folks. It’s telling transmission operators to think ahead—like, 20 years ahead—instead of waiting until things get desperate. They’ve got to factor in all sorts of stuff, from climate laws to what stakeholders want. And by stakeholders, we’re talking about utilities, state governments, and probably a few others with skin in the game. Plus, they need to figure out how to divvy up the costs, which is usually where the sparks start to fly. But get this: Order 1920 isn’t just about who pays what. It’s looking at the bigger picture, like how these lines can lower peak energy prices, make the grid tougher against extreme weather, and ease up traffic jams on the power highway.
Upgrading the Old, Building the Bold
FERC isn’t stopping there. They’re big on giving a facelift to the lines we already have, which could mean we won’t need as many new ones right away. But when it comes to new construction, they’re pushing for the “right sized” lines—think bigger and better, not just patching up the old system with small tweaks.
State vs. Federal: A Balancing Act
Now, not everyone’s singing Kumbaya over Order 1920. A FERC member piped up with some concerns, worried that it’s not letting states have their say. And you can bet your bottom dollar there’ll be court battles over this and other parts of the rule.
Meanwhile, the Biden Administration has been busy too. On May 8, they rolled out a list of national interest transmission corridors. This is a big deal because it lets FERC greenlight new lines without states blocking the way, especially if those states won’t really use the power. It’s a move to clear the roadblocks that can hold up progress.
FERC’s Order 1977: Streamlining with a Side of Patience
Jumping to May 14, FERC introduced some fresh rules with Order 1977. They’re trying to smooth out the approval process while adding a twist: transmission builders have to wait a year after starting with state permits before they knock on FERC’s door. Once that year’s up, FERC can take the reins if needed. They also scrapped an idea that would’ve let builders get a jump on the FERC process. Plus, builders have to spill the beans on how their lines will impact the environment and communities focused on environmental justice. And they’ve got to get chatty with stakeholders early on.
What’s the Hold-Up?
Now, don’t expect these FERC rules to work overnight magic. They’ll take some time to kick in, and even more time to see those new transmission projects light up the grid. In the meantime, we’ve got to hustle to speed up the projects already on deck. But hey, there are other tricks in the bag: we can expand big-time energy storage, spread out energy resources, double down on conservation, and tweak the power system. Those moves are key, especially while we’re waiting for new transmission to get the green light.
So there you have it, folks. The grid is getting a much-needed makeover, and with these policy shifts, we’re wiring up for a brighter, greener future. Stay tuned as we keep an eye on how these changes unfold and what they mean for our energy landscape.
Did you miss our previous article…
https://pardonresearch.com/?p=5794