FERC Proposed Rule Would Encourage Transmission for Solar Power Projects

WASHINGTON, DC – Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) President and CEO Rhone Resch released the following statement in response to today’s announcement by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) that it is developing new rules regarding transmission planning and cost allocation:

“We applaud FERC for releasing this Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. Clarifying issues of regional transmission planning and cost allocation will reduce the uncertainty surrounding transmission build-out and will accelerate the development of utility-scale solar projects. Transmission planners must account for solar energy as a key piece of our electricity portfolio. And policymakers need to ensure that the benefits of clean, reliable solar energy are available to all customers. With over 22,000 MW of utility-scale solar projects in the pipeline, we are poised to provide emission-free electricity to 4.4 million homes and create tens of thousands of jobs from coast to coast.

“This rulemaking, coupled with FERC’s previous inquiry into barriers to integrating renewable resources into the grid, is an important step in modernizing our transmission grid. We look forward to working with FERC on these important issues for America’s clean energy future.”

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About SEIA:
Established in 1974, the Solar Energy Industries Association is the national trade association of the solar energy industry. As the voice of the industry, SEIA works with its 1,000 member companies to make solar a mainstream and significant energy source by expanding markets, removing market barriers, strengthening the industry and educating the public on the benefits of solar energy. Learn more at www.seia.org.