Transmission
Access to high-voltage transmission lines is key for the development of utility-scale solar power projects, as transmission lines are what move the power from where the electricity is generated to where it is consumed. However, much of the existing transmission infrastructure in the solar-rich Southwest United States is full to capacity. SEIA promotes the expansion of the transmission grid through federal and regional initiatives.
Green Power Superhighways: Building a Path to America's Clean Energy Future
SEIA and the American Wind Energy Association have released a white paper called "Green Power Superhighways: Building a Path to America's Clean Energy Future." The paper identifies problems with todays electricity infrastructure grid and policy solutions to bring solar energy from areas where resources are abundant to population centers where the energy is most needed.
For more information, please see SEIA's transmission factsheet.
Recent News
SEIA submitted comments with the Large-scale Solar Association in support of a CAISO tariff waiver request filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
SEIA recently joined with other associations and advocacy organizations to support a California feed-in-tariff proposal before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Click here to read the Motion to Intervene.
FERC issued a Notice of Inquiry regarding integration of renewable resources into the transmission grid. Click here to read the Notice. Click here to view SEIA's submitted comments.
SEIA filed comments with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission regarding its OATT Reform/ Order 890 Technical Conferences. Read the comments here.
SEIA signed on to a stakeholders letter sent to Congressional leadership on November 3, 2009, which expressed concerns that language in S. 1462, the American Clean Energy Leadership Act of 2009 (as reported by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources), would prohibit the Federal Energy Regulatory Comission from adopting a cost allocation methodology for new transmission lines that is workable and fair. The letter can be found here.
SEIA filed comments with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission regarding firm priority rights for renewable energy transmission. Read the comments here and FERC's Order here.
Read the latest side-by-side comparison of proposed energy legislation and related solar provisions.
Two recent court cases involving the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) highlight the importance of proper planning and cost allocation for transmission lines:
Illinois Commerce Commission v. FERC (7th Circuit, August 6, 2009)
Piedmont Environmental Council v. FERC (4th Circuit, February 18, 2009)
A letter from the East Coast Governors in support of transmission legislation can be found here.
Side-by-side of key provisions in transmission legislation in the 111th Congress.
On March 12, 2009 the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee held a hearing on Electricity Transmission. Rhone Resch submitted testimony for this hearing.
Legislation
Transmission-related Resources
- Transmission Fact Sheet 3.3.09
- DOE's National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors
- Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)
- California's Renewable Energy Transmission Initiative (RETI)
- California ISO FAQs for Transmission Planning and Infrastruction Development
Western Governors' Association
Contact: Katherine Gensler
