Transmission is essential for delivering power from where it is produced to where it is needed, ensuring that electric service remains affordable, reliable, and resilient. However, our country’s aging and capacity-constrained grid requires significant upgrades to meet growing energy demands and to accommodate new generation sources. Despite this, recent transmission development has been inconsistent and inefficient, leaving many areas vulnerable to power disruptions, especially during severe weather events.

ACEG’s new report delves into how state policies can drive the high-capacity, interstate transmission solutions we need. While the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has jurisdiction over interstate transmission, the report underscores the crucial role states play in comprehensive and cost-effective transmission planning and development.

The report is designed to inform and guide state policymakers and advocates, offering illustrative examples of impactful policies and emphasizing the importance of interstate collaboration in achieving a reliable and resilient grid.

Through surveys and interviews with transmission experts, including advocates, utility staff, developers, and state legislators, the report:

• Identifies key state policies that advance transmission expansion.
• Highlights the importance of state engagement in collaborative discussions, regional planning processes, and the promotion of policies that support grid reliability and affordability.
• Emphasizes the need for states to adopt long-term planning horizons, recognize the benefits of an interconnected network, and streamline transmission siting processes.

The report is broken into three sections:

• Background
• State Policies
• Appendix with Statutory Language