Advanced solutions can help meet demand, increase renewable
energy use, and save ratepayers money
WASHINGTON, June 27,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The following is provided by
Maureen Quinlan, a senior officer, and Yaron Miller, a senior manager with The Pew
Charitable Trusts' energy modernization project.
The aging U.S. electric grid is strained by increasing demand
from economic growth and electric vehicles, severe weather
disruptions, and more. One result is a congested transmission
system that often cannot serve consumers with the lowest-cost
electricity—typically generated from renewables such as solar and
wind—and must instead tap more expensive sources. This congestion
increased consumers' bills by an estimated $20.8 billion in 2022.
Grid-enhancing technologies (GETs) are a promising near-term
solution and could ease a backlog of an estimated 2,600
gigawatts of power—95% of which is from solar, wind, or battery
projects—that is ready to flow to consumers. So far in 2024,
lawmakers in at least 10 states have considered policy options to
evaluate and promote GETs. In addition, the White House in May
announced a new initiative with 21 states to collaborate on
use of these innovative solutions to modernize the grid.
What are GETs?
GETs are technologies that allow transmission lines to carry
more power and are typically deployed faster and at a lower cost
than new lines and substations. Some common GETs are:
- Dynamic line ratings (DLRs): Transmission lines have a "rating"
that sets the maximum electricity flows allowed on a line. DLR uses
sensors to calculate the rating based on real-time weather
conditions. This allows grid operators to safely boost the
rating—and line capacity—when conditions allow.
- Advanced power flow controls (APFCs): APFCs are modular devices
that allow grid operators to direct and balance electricity flows
to avoid congested areas of the grid.
- Topology optimization (TO): TO is a software technology that
allows grid operators to reroute power flows to avoid congested
areas.
One analysis showed that DLRs yield average increases in
transmission capacity of more than 33% in summer and 19% in winter.
These capacity boosts can make room on the grid for renewable
energy projects to come online. One study found that GETs
projects across five states could help connect 6.6 gigawatts of new
renewable energy to the grid; this could lead to a corresponding
drop in fossil fuel emissions of 3.5% in 2027, equivalent to
roughly 12 million tons of CO2. DLRs can also have
significant safety and reliability benefits because they give
utilities accurate readings of real-time conditions of lines and
how much electricity they can carry.
GETs save customers money by reducing grid congestion and
allowing for uptake of lower-cost energy resources. As a result,
these technologies can often pay for themselves within six
months of becoming fully operational and could save
consumers an estimated $2
billion to $8
billion annually.
State policy approaches
Despite their many benefits, GETs have not yet been broadly
adopted by U.S. grid operators, in part because of their relative
newness and also because of utility incentive structures that favor
large capital projects over improved operations and efficiency.
Still, new state activity is encouraging. Examples include:
Study bills
Lawmakers in Connecticut,
Maine, and Maryland have considered studying the
potential deployment of GETs, resulting in reports that would guide
policy decisions. In Maine, a
recently passed law (S.P. 257/L.D. 589) allows those findings to
inform utility rate-making and grid planning proceedings before the
Maine Public Utilities Commission, the state's regulatory oversight
authority.
Utility planning requirements
Most states direct some or all utilities to regularly develop
integrated resource plans to outline new investments in energy
infrastructure, generation, and transmission. This year,
California, Minnesota, South
Carolina, Utah, and
Virginia have either passed or
reviewed legislation to require utilities to evaluate GETs within
those resource plans or related proceedings.
Minnesota's recently enacted
law requires utilities to identify areas of existing or anticipated
congestion, assess GETs to mitigate those trouble spots, and plan
to implement them if they are cost-effective.
Incentives
Lawmakers in New York have
proposed legislation to require utilities to consider GETs in
resource planning and would allow utilities to financially benefit
from cost-effectively deploying these technologies.
Although not a replacement for much-needed investment in new
transmission lines, GETs and related technologies can play an
important role in creating a modern, reliable grid. As more states
take action, ratepayers nationwide will benefit.
More information at
https://www.pewtrusts.org/energymodernization.
Contact:
Monique O'Grady
mogrady@pewtrusts.org
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SOURCE The Pew Charitable Trusts