To Boost Electric Grid, States Look to Advanced Transmission Technologies

Electricity demand in the U.S. is soaring, and experts estimate that it will increase 25% by 2030 from 2023 levels. That’s putting further stress on an already-taxed power grid. Investing in new high-voltage transmission lines is a critical part of easing that strain, but those projects can take up to 10 years to complete, on average.

To help solve this dilemma, states across the country are turning to advanced transmission technologies (ATTs). ATTs are hardware and software solutions that can boost the capacity of transmission wires to carry up to 110% more power than conventional lines, depending on the technology used, among myriad additional benefits.

Benefits of ATTs

• Rapid deployment: Can be installed on existing transmission infrastructure in as little as three months.
• Cost savings: Alleviates grid congestion, enabling delivery of lower-cost energy to consumers.
• More energy: Facilitate the connection of backlogged energy generation projects to the grid.
• Land conservation: Minimize land use impacts by increasing capacity on infrastructure in existing rights of way.
• Wildfire risk reduction: Advanced conductors are more resilient to high temperatures and sag less, reducing the risk of contact with vegetation.

State lawmakers throughout the U.S. have taken a variety of legislative approaches to encourage the use of ATTs. This interactive map provides an overview of the policy mechanisms states have adopted, from studies and regulatory requirements to permitting reform and more.

Policy Approach Glossary

• Commission assessment: Requires utility commissions regulators to consider ATTs when evaluating proposed transmission projects.
• Congestion targeting: Requires utilities to identify specific highly congested areas on the grid and develop a plan to mitigate them using ATTs.
• Cost recovery: Allows utilities to recover costs associated with ATTs from their rate bases.
• Permitting reform: Expedites applications or reduces permitting requirements for ATTs projects.
• Study: Tasks state agencies or regulatory bodies to investigate the use of ATTs.
• Utility planning: Requires utilities to evaluate ATTs in their planning, such as in integrated resource plans.