UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
BEFORE THE
FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION
Building for the Future Through Electric Regional Transmission Planning and Cost Allocation and Generator Interconnection } Docket No.: RM21-17-000
COMMENTS OF THE ELECTRIC POWER SUPPLY ASSOCIATION
Date Filed: Aug 17, 2022
Summary: On April 21, 2022, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued a proposed rule with broad reforms to electric regional transmission planning and cost allocation requirements. As FERC considers new approaches to transmission planning, EPSA’s comments advise that the Commission should continue to strengthen and support competitive electricity markets and procurement of new transmission to deliver reliable and affordable energy, to spur innovation, and to support decarbonization of the grid. Competitive market mechanisms not only discipline prices but also solicit innovative solutions and support the entry of new market participants. Changes to transmission policies must not create barriers to the full panoply of solutions or any competition of ideas to accommodate the evolving grid and reduce emissions. Hence, care must be taken in extending the timeline for regional transmission planning. EPSA also has deep concerns over the NOPR’s retreat from competition by reinstituting a right of first refusal for incumbent transmission owners. This is a step backwards just when there is broad consensus regarding the extent of infrastructure development needed to drive and support changes in the resource mix and demand.
