Energy Business
Molly Glick
Molly Glick
Energy Central Team
·Posted in Energy Business
Wed, Jun 3

NEWS: Transmission projects keep sparking drama.

  • The background: Utilities, including Xcel Energy and American Transmission Company, have asked FERC for a five-year pause on competitive bidding for major Midwest transmission projects, claiming they raise costs and slow construction.

  • The backlash: Ratepayer advocates (and a recent R Street report) have argued the opposite. Now, 12 Wisconsin officials are calling on FERC to reject the request. They claim that “competition works,” and it enables Wisconsin to maintain a “reliable grid while benefiting from competitive pressures that drive efficiencies and cost savings.”

  • Meanwhile in New England, states want increased scrutiny on asset condition projects. Exhibit A: Eversource Energy’s X-178 transmission project in New Hampshire. Critics say the company evaded thorough ISO-NE review. Now, the grid operator is developing a review process for asset condition projects, which could kick off next year. 

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