Thread by @LizaBevin

Turning transmission up to 11 panel @NARUC
Pat Hoffman @ENERGY starts off:
1. DOE will be doing studies and planning with natl labs to see where Transmission is needed

2. also seeking quick wins on how to use existing infrastructure, look at "dig once" infrastructure approaches, grid enhancing tech

3. Looking at how to use all their financing solutions to get projects across the finish line

Recognizes that permitting is a challenge, too, but addressing the three above issues may help there, too.

Concludes with IIJA grid hardening and resilience. Opportunities for moving new ideas and tech fwd.

Need to be on the same page of best Opportunities for transmission and tech. Need collaboration with states for key issues and concerns. Align and prioritize

Next @RobGramlichDC on Grid Enhancing Technologies (GETs)

We need to move power around large geographic areas. Cost is important factor and GETs is a way to keep costs down with less new build.

GETs are beyond pilot stage. Widely deployed in other countries. Key opportunity for commissioners to ask their utilities what they are pursuing for maximizing the grid and why/why not.

Dynamic line rating: send more power when the conditions permit. Weather isn't static, line use shouldn't be either

Power flow control: change "resistance" of lines to manage power flow

Topology management: open/close lines to manage flow

Tech is from @ARPAE ! Let's use US innovation

Utilities aren't engaged because new/unfamiliar tech and no incentives to use it.

Could @FERC proposed Transmission monitors help change the discussion?

David Townley from @CTC_ACCC talking reconductoring.

CTC makes the high tensile, low strength, composite cores that are used in some advanced conductors.

Get more flow through lines of same size/weight.

Utils can use the same structures with new lines and get a lot more power

(Discl: I wrote 2 pprs on this, I'm biased towards it. but not as biased as I am towards HVDC conversion!)

More capacity, much faster regulatory process.

Now @allienkelly of @TheRayHighway on Next Generation Highways. Partnership with @morgancputnam, together looking at clean transportation and clean energy.

Unique moment for Transforming highway rights of way for electricity

US fed highways line up with where studies find transmission needs to go.

Economic value in using these exisitng rights of way for transmission, charging, and other utils and services.

Buried transmission is not new, NGH is pushing for broadening how often it's considered.

Can reduce permitting time by 5 years -- $1B in benefit

Colocation of communication and power infrastructure is being studied by DOT and DOE. This is possible, underway, top of mind.

Projects are encouraged by FHWA, DOE LPO looking for right of way and HVDC projects

Hon Dan Scripps leads the Q&A:
Where do we start?

PH: start with maximizing system. Look at planning partnerships to capitalize on. This is complex, requires collabs

.@RobGramlichDC: talk to the panelists, engage w/ FERC-NARUC task force. It starts here at this meeting, to lead to more connections and ideas. And talk to utilities about why they aren't using the tech. Is there a regulatory issue to address? Is least cost confusing the decision

DT: energy efficiency gets forgotten in least cost planning. Prices have other influences. Energy efficiency and growth can change the consumer price overall. Tech can have quick payback periods.

.@allienkelly : using highway and rail Right of way is not a bright shiny object, it's a real opportunity and should be a priority.

@TheRayHighway is in 25 states. Change is happening on the ground and there's peer learning to do. States and commissions aren't on their own

HDS: let's talk reliability and resilience.

@allienkelly OHL put New Orleans off grid. Underground can change that.

Electrification is expanding, so new build is needed. Let's put it where there's least impact.

DT: advanced conductors are stronger and corrode less. Resilient lines are reliable sources. Low sag aspects can lower wildfire risk (no ground clearance issues), and even resilient IN a fire (not destroyed)

.@RobGramlichDC FERC had a resilience proceeding and RTOs pointed to transmission and importing power as crucial. Transmission sends power both ways, both ends benefit.

Texas is looking at line ratings for resilience.

Start the conversations, see what tech solns fit state

PH: we need additional capacity to address changing weather and changing grid. We need a flexible, dynamic system to support neighbor and protect yourself. DOE supports all the tools in the toolbox.

Question from Hon Phil Moeller @Edison_Electric :

What's the role of governors? Is that engagement happening?

.@RobGramlichDC states collaborated 15 years ago on MISO MVPs to meet state clean energy goals.

State/federal permitting tension is a question.

State involvement in transmission planning has resulted in more successful projects than independent merchant attempts

.@allienkelly governors already looking at highway ROW for broadband -- have the electric conversation in parallel. Co-locate. Dig once. Governors can bring elec into the conversations with DOTs.

We need energy and information to power the future and electrify everything.

PH: we need leadership from governors and other state and federal stakeholders to set priorities for analysis and partnerships.

HDS: Transmission is a both-and, not choose one or the other.

That's a wrap!