Applied sciences Provide Choices for Assembly Rising Electrical energy Demand, Conserving Prices Down
WASHINGTON, D.C. – A brand new report launched right now highlights the necessary position Grid-Enhancing Applied sciences (GETs) and Excessive-Efficiency Conductors (HPCs) can play in making certain the U.S. transmission grid can meet the surging near-term energy demand from rising financial sectors whereas protecting prices down for shoppers. The Federal Vitality Regulatory Fee’s (FERC’s) current transmission planning and value allocation rule, Order 1920, mandates transmission suppliers develop scenario-based, long-term transmission planning that features the consideration of GETs and HPCs.
Ready by The Brattle Group on behalf of the American Council on Renewable Vitality (ACORE), the report, titled “Incorporating GETs and HPCs into Transmission Planning Underneath FERC Order 1920,” highlights the various advantages of those applied sciences. The report additionally addresses how: (1) present planning processes could also be insufficient for his or her consideration; (2) Order 1920 can treatment these deficiencies; and (3) related state entities can encourage transmission suppliers to completely combine these applied sciences into transmission planning and choice processes.
“GETs and HPCs are confirmed instruments that may add essential grid capability in lower than a 12 months in some situations,” mentioned Elise Caplan, ACORE’s Vice President of Regulatory Affairs. “FERC’s directive in Order 1920 units the stage for transmission suppliers to cost-effectively tackle speedy load progress and different challenges to the grid by means of cautious consideration of those applied sciences.”
As demonstrated by means of on-the-ground deployment and varied research, these applied sciences are well-established, cost-effective applied sciences that may be shortly deployed within the close to time period on the present system and complement the longer-term buildout of transmission. The report finds that price financial savings related to the seven advantages FERC specified by Order 1920 can vary from tens to lots of of tens of millions of {dollars} yearly per area – totaling a number of billions of {dollars} per 12 months for all U.S. shoppers in the event that they change into broadly adopted.
“GETs and HPCs are mature, confirmed applied sciences, and our evaluation discovered that these instruments can present all seven advantages outlined in FERC Order 1920,” mentioned Bruce Tsuchida, Principal at The Brattle Group and lead report creator. “Transmission suppliers can use a holistic analysis methodology when assessing varied advantages and evaluating potential transmission options. These applied sciences will doubtless shine by means of as a lower-cost choice to making sure dependable, reasonably priced energy for ratepayers.”
Along with planning for future wants, transmission suppliers account for varied uncertainties — together with funding prices and the trajectory of future modifications to load. Improved long-term transmission planning processes can higher consider all out there options inside a number of eventualities. FERC’s directive additionally presents vital alternatives for states to work with transmission suppliers to reinforce the applied sciences’ consideration and promote broader adoption.
“In finalizing Order 1920, FERC directed transmission suppliers to revamp their planning processes to higher plan and put together the system for future challenges. However it can take a while earlier than Order 1920 is totally efficient,” mentioned Wealthy Glick, Principal at GQS New Vitality Methods and former FERC Chair. “Within the meantime, motion is required to deal with extra rapid threats to reliability and affordability. This report exhibits that GETs and HPCs provide a near-term capability resolution whereas grid operators proceed to plan the regional transmission strains wanted to satisfy future challenges.”
To obtain a duplicate of the report, click on right here.
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About ACORE:
For over 20 years, the American Council on Renewable Vitality (ACORE) has been the nation’s main voice on the problems most important to wash power enlargement. ACORE unites finance, coverage, and expertise to speed up the transition to a clear power economic system. For extra info, please go to https://acore.org/.
Media Contacts:
Dylan Helms
Supervisor, Communications
American Council on Renewable Vitality
communications@acore.org
202-935-6491
Ellie Potter
Senior Public Affairs Supervisor, Macro Grid Initiative
American Council on Renewable Vitality
potter@acore.org
202-505-5589
