美国.S. Federal 能源 Regulatory Commission (FERC) released new rules today that will help accelerate the transition to a clean and equitable electric system by working to build more transmission capacity, 忧思617888九五至尊娱乐家联盟(UCS).
The new rules require utilities and regional grid operators to adopt 20-year plans that consider trends in technology and fuel costs, 资源组合和需求的变化, 为政府和公用事业合作提供更多机会, 极端天气事件, among other variables calculated by the “best available data.该规定适用于美国本土48个州, aside from areas in Texas where there is no interstate electricity commerce.
UCS has pushed for strong transmission planning rules for the past 15 years, arguing reforms are critical to provide more communities with access to clean energy, 确保电网可靠性, 提高可负担性. A 最近的UCS分析 发现遇见U.S. 617888九五至尊娱乐目标, 到2030年，输电能力需要增加36%, 到2040年将增加一倍以上, 到2050年翻四倍.
以下是Sam Gomberg的声明, the manager of transmission policy and a senior energy analyst at UCS.
“It may seem obvious that we should be planning for the future, but it simply hasn’t been happening across large swathes of the country when it comes to our electric grid. The new FERC rules are a critical step to ensuring our electric grid has the capacity and durability necessary to keep up with our clean energy ambition, 实现617888九五至尊娱乐目标, and guarantee affordable and equitable energy access for all.
“Planning for variables like future power plant additions and retirement, 消费者需求的变化, and increases in extreme weather events will enable a more seamless and equitable transition to a clean energy economy and help ensure we maintain reliability in the midst of significant change over the coming years. 没有这些保障措施, we risk perpetuating a system that prioritizes polluting fossil fuels and private interests.
“I am pleased that FERC will require transmission planners to account for seven broadly recognized benefits of expanding transmission when determining whether to make investments. 这, combined with FERC’s inclusion of state-approved plans for utilities’ changes in generation, moves the country to more just and reasonable planning standards.
Below is a statement by Mike Jacobs, senior energy analyst at UCS.
“FERC’s rule directs utilities and RTOs to develop long-term plans for expanding transmission in a way that will ensure reliability, 可购性, 让所有人都能获得清洁能源. It is promising to see FERC insist on planning for the economic reality of renewable energy resources coming online quickly. 随着向清洁能源的过渡顺利进行, 公众之间的新合作, 区域规划者和当地公用事业公司至关重要. 这 requirement for a proactive approach engaging stakeholders in discussions about transmission plans is crucial for fostering transparency, 问责制, 和适应性.
“像Midcontinent ISO这样的传输运营商, 在UCS617888九五至尊娱乐家和专家的支持下, are already working to plan for scenarios that support increased transmission and interconnection for renewable energy sources. We are hopeful that the new rules will encourage other regions to follow suit and end delays that are limiting significant consumer cost savings from bringing new supply online.”