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"We need more transmission resources to maintain reliability and achieve environmental goals," commented Rick Sergel, president and CEO of NERC. "Transmission lines are the critical link between new generation and customers, yet we continue to see transmission development lag behind generation additions. Faster siting, permitting, and construction of transmission resources will be vital to keeping the lights on in the coming years." – NERC Press Release and Report: Ten-Year Outlook for Electric Reliability Highlights Environmental Initiatives, Transmission among Key Concerns
Across State Lines
"A proposal that would bring cheaper electricity to Virginia while increasing the region's energy capacity is now threatened. Two Pennsylvania judges recommended last month that a key portion of a $1.3 billion power line between the two states not be built. If the recommendation becomes reality, Virginians should prepare for more expensive, less reliable electricity." - The Washington Post, September 2, 2008, "Across State Lines"
U.S. on verge of grand-scale blackout
"We're to the point where we need every possible resource: renewables, demand response and energy efficiency, nuclear, clean coal – you name it, we need it. and we especially need the transmission lines that will bring the power generated by these new resources to consumers." - Rick Sergel, president of the North American Electric Reliability Corp. of Princeton, N.J., the agency that oversees the nation's power grid.
As stated in EnergyBiz Insider, "New developments of wind, solar, and eventually nuclear -- in addition to developments of more traditional resources -- all have a common denominator: They need transmission to reliably integrate them into the grid," says Dave Nevius, senior vice president at NERC.
North American Electric Reliablity Council (NERC)
2007 Long-Term Reliability Assessment
"Smart growth of the system requires diverse solutions. A reliable and adequate electricity system depends on a combination of adequate generation and transmission, diversified fuel sources, energy efficiency, demand response, and other industry/customer programs," said Rick Sergel, president and CEO of NERC. "This will require a concerted and cooperative effort by industry, government and customers."
Department of Energy
National Electric Transmission Congestion Study
The Department of Energy (DOE) issued an order on October 2, 2007, for two National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor (National Corridor) designations, which outline areas where consumers are adversely affected by transmission capacity constraints or congestion. One of the designated corridors includes the Mid-Atlantic Region, encompassing some or all counties in DE, OH, MD, NJ, NY, PA, VA, WV, and DC.
"These National Corridors serve as an important indication by the federal government that significant transmission constraint or congestion problems exist," Secretary of Energy Samuel W. Bodman said. "The goal is simple — to keep reliable supplies of electric energy flowing to all Americans. By designating these National Corridors, we are encouraging stakeholders in these regions to identify solutions and take prompt action."
For more information on the designations, click here.
PJM Interconnection
Regional Transmission Expansion Plan
PJM Interconnection, the independent organization authorized by the federal government to coordinate the delivery of electricity throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, published the Regional Transmission Expansion Plan which identifies transmission system upgrades and enhancements to preserve the reliability of the electricity grid.