This measure would change federal rules to make it easier to increase electric transmission capacity inside existing rights-of-way and on previously disturbed or developed land. It creates a categorical exclusion from environmental review under NEPA for activities that repair, maintain, replace, upgrade, modify, optimize, or slightly relocate existing transmission or distribution facilities and related infrastructure. The exclusion specifically covers reconductoring and adding grid-enhancing technologies and energy storage near existing lines or on disturbed land.
The text defines "advanced transmission conductor" by technical criteria (at least 10% lower DC resistance, at least 70% greater energy capacity, and at least 50% lower thermal expansion than a similar traditional ACSR conductor). It directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to issue or revise rules within one year to improve the return on equity for investments in such advanced conductors while keeping rates just and reasonable.
The measure adds reconductoring with advanced conductors and grid-enhancing technologies to eligible activities under State Energy Programs. It also directs the Secretary of Energy, through one or more National Laboratories and in consultation with the Commission and the Electric Reliability Organization, to develop probabilistic models for transmission planning, resource adequacy, and integrated resource planning. Those models must reflect local grid needs, include uncertainties such as weather and congestion, and produce metrics like loss of load expectation, expected unserved energy, effective load carrying capability, planning reserve margin, transmission losses, congestion, and cost.
The Secretary must establish regional collaboratives with National Laboratories and institutions of higher education, prioritize certain demonstration capabilities, and create an application guide and annual updates for eligible entities on using advanced conductors and grid-enhancing technologies. The Secretary must also provide technical assistance on request and maintain a clearinghouse of completed projects related to advanced conductors, reconductoring, and grid-enhancing technologies.
No publicly available information.
The text states goals to expand capacity within existing corridors, encourage use of advanced conductors and grid-enhancing technologies, improve financial incentives for those investments, and support modeling and technical assistance to guide transmission planning and deployment.
No publicly available information.