Transmission

“A flexible resource only counts if we design the market, the rate, and the program that lets it participate – which is exactly where the work is, and it is well underway.”

“By leveraging load flexibility, utilities can unlock additional capacity rapidly and at lower cost relative to generation and T&D buildout – but this resource has been underutilized to date.”

“NARUC and NASEO, in conjunction with 25 state agencies, have collaborated since early 2025 to develop comprehensive electricity planning roadmaps through a series of virtual and in-person workshops.”

“In January 2025, the U.S. DOE’s Interconnection Innovation Exchange (i2X) released a Distributed Energy Resources Interconnection Roadmap. The Roadmap sets near-term targets for DER projects interconnecting to distribution systems and offers strategies for achieving these goals.”

“Grid enhancing technologies (GETs) – also known as advanced transmission technologies (ATTs) – are hardware and software that can be deployed relatively quickly and cheaply to increase the efficiency of and space on the existing electricity grid.”

“AI-driven load growth is geographically concentrated and physically resource-intensive. But the principle holds: structural innovation – alongside technology – may be the unlock.”

“The U.S. grid has around 1,200 GW of installed capacity. Of that, about 750 GW are available at peak, and roughly 300 GW serve HVAC load. That means 40% of our electric capacity exists to support something that peaks only a few days each year.”

“Combined benefits translate to financial savings and environmental advantages. Every kilowatt-hour saved through reduced line losses represents avoided generation costs and reduced emissions. Improved efficiency helps utilities maximize grid assets while minimizing costs that flow through to customers.”

“Unlike policy-driven incentives of the past, today’s growth is market-driven – anchored in the real needs of hyperscalers, utilities, and consumers. This provides a stronger and more sustainable foundation for long-term investment.”

“Our new resource stack includes power purchase agreements, solar projects of our own, and what I believe is the largest distributed battery array in the country. We have deployed batteries across nine substations, ranging from 8 MW up to 33 MW.”