NGA Center for Best Practices

The U.S. electrical interstate transmission grid, the system of high-voltage transmission lines that carry electricity from generating plants to population centers, is becoming increasingly congested as increases in demand continue to outpace increases in transmission capacity. According to the North American Electric Reliability Council (NERC), electricity demand is expected to grow by more than 20 percent between 2002 and 2011.

Overview

As U.S. population grows the transmission of energy – how electricity generated by a power plant arrives at U.S. homes and businesses – is of increasing concern for states and regions. Electricity from 10,000 power plants is transmitted in bulk at very high voltage, 230 kilovolts or above, over the 157,000 miles high voltage transmission lines to substations near populated areas. At the substation the electricity is downgraded to a lower voltage, about 10,000 volts and sent over distribution lines to homes and business.

A major factor in U.S. energy demand is the siting of new transmission lines. Various local, state and federal government agencies hold jurisdiction over what, where and when new transmissions can be built. Utilities must also seek permission from both state and federal agencies to build the new transmission lines and different states have different requirements. The process of transmission siting is complicated for a number of reasons: costs, building lines on difficult terrain, rights of way, and public health concerns.

Focus of Center Activities

The Center is actively monitoring and evaluating energy challenges and policy responses across the states, disseminating information to accelerate the adoption of the most effective policy tools and best practices. In addition to tailored assistance to the state leadership, the Center also convenes policymakers with experts from industry, academia, and non-governmental organizations to examine specific topics of shared concern among the states.

Reports

Meetings

Policy Forum on Electricity Restructuring
In April 2001 the Center hosted an Executive Policy Forum on Electricity Restructuring in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The forum brought together leading electricity experts, state regulatory commissioners, and governors' energy advisors to evaluate the electricity restructuring process to date and consider appropriate paths forward. After this meeting, Center launched a two-year Task Force on Electricity Infrastructure. The Task Force, funded through a Cooperative Agreement with the US Department of Energy (DOE), examined critical policy questions regarding electricity generation, transmission, and regional electricity markets.

Related Links

Federal Agencies and Offices

Nonprofits, Associations & Organizations

Academic and Research Institutions

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