States’ Interregional Transmission Efforts Examined

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During an ACORE webinar, researcher Abe Silverman emphasized the importance of focusing on the allocation of benefits rather than costs in advancing interregional transmission projects. He highlighted the need to identify project constituencies and address regulatory gaps to facilitate the construction of transmission lines that move electricity across state lines and RTO/ISO boundaries. The webinar, titled "Powering Progress: States Leading on Transmission Collaboration," featured discussions on past multistate collaborations and ongoing efforts to enhance cooperation among states.

Panelists, including Anya Poplavska and Beth Soholt, shared insights from successful projects like CapX2020, which involved significant collaboration among various utilities to build extensive transmission lines. They noted the challenges of garnering support and consensus among diverse stakeholders. Poplavska pointed out that fragmented decision-making currently hampers progress and proposed a framework for better planning and coordination. Silverman concluded that focusing on the substantial benefits of interregional transmission, such as economic development and lower consumer costs, is crucial for overcoming regulatory hurdles and advancing these essential projects.