WIRES

Our Executive Director, Larry Gasteiger had a great conversation with Alan Ross, Managing Editor of Power Systems Technology about Larry's early energy background, his tenure at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and his leadership of WIRES and its key priorities. They also explored the growing impact of AI and data centers on the grid, the current state of transmission regulatory policy, and what the grid of the future might look like: "Alan: Last question, what does the grid of the future look like for you? Larry: It is interesting. To think about the grid of the future, you have to look at the grid of the past in some ways. Going way back, we had a system that was set up that was largely balkanized and much more amenable to state and local regulatory structures. But as the country has grown, our needs have expanded, all of that has been happening over decades. In a way, I can keep going back to our regulatory structure which has not really kept up with the reality of what has been happening with the system. I do think, again, there is going to continue to be this regulatory friction that we have always had between state and federal regulation. It is only going to increase with time. But I think we are not going back. If anything, our grid is only going to get more interconnected, more integrated, more dependent on each other in a lot of ways. I think that is a healthy development, though, in terms of providing greater reliability, greater resilience for our system, and in a sense, greater national security from an electricity standpoint." https://lnkd.in/evmbtTRz APC Media LLC #transmission #grid #gridmodernization #interconnectedgrid #gridresilience #AI #gridreliability #datacenters

ICYMI - S&P Global Market Intelligence reported on a recent analysis prepared for WIRES: "A new report from the consulting firm Grid Strategies LLC finds that a one-year delay on high-dollar, large-scale electric transmission projects can drive up consumer costs by 15% to 37% in lost benefits." Translated into dollars, for every $1 billion investment in well-planned, large-scale transmission that is delayed, Grid Strategies finds it costs consumers approximately $150 million to $370 million in lost net benefits for each year of delay. The net/net: "'Consumers benefit most when transmission projects are energized as soon as possible,' the report said. 'The affordability of electricity supply depends in no small part on timely execution of efficient and cost-effective transmission expansion.'" Author: Zack Hale https://lnkd.in/e8ZtEuB7 #transmission #affordability #datacenters #AI #gridreliability #gridresilience #gridstrong #moderngrid #robustgrid #gridmodernization

  Delaying transmission projects is a costly mistake for customers. A new report from Grid Strategies LLC, LLC for WIRES shows that even a one-year delay in transmission investment can significantly reduce benefits and increase costs. For every $1 billion invested, customers lose between $150 million and $370 million annually when projects are postponed. Transmission is the backbone of a reliable and affordable energy future. Accelerating these investments is critical to meeting demand and delivering savings to customers, especially here in New England where Eversource Energy is building critical transmission projects to support electrification and make our infrastructure more resilient. Check out the full report below. #Transmission #EnergyInfrastructure #GridModernization https://lnkd.in/ei8VQ-9i

Sharing a timely new report from Grid Strategies LLC that quantifies how delays in developing large-scale transmission affect consumers and the broader economy. It finds that delaying needed grid expansion imposes significant costs on consumers by postponing or forfeiting key benefits. The delays also impact economic growth and national security objectives – including those tied to AI advancement.   Based on a review of eight benefit-cost studies for transmission portfolios across the country, the report finds that for every $1 billion investment in well-planned, large-scale transmission that is delayed, it costs consumers approximately $150 million to $370 million in lost net benefits for each year of delay. Report authors: Zachary Zimmerman, Rob Gramlich, Michael Goggin Access the report and one pager here: https://lnkd.in/eHkybTpX #transmission #gridstrong #stronggrid #AI #consumerbenefits #affordability #reliablegrid #resilientgrid #grid #datacenters

This Veterans Day, WIRES recognizes and thanks the men and women who have served our country. Grateful for the courage, sacrifice, and commitment of our veterans — today and every day. #VeteransDay

New monthly report by the PJM independent market monitor, finds that wholesale supply costs have risen by 64% in 2025. In contrast, transmission costs have only increased 5% in the same period that compares 2025 to the first three quarters of 2024. #transmission #affordability

ICYMI, Utility Dive article covering Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Commissioner Lindsay See's keynote remarks at our Fall Member Meeting. "'I don’t want to be the one who is stifling innovation and new changes that we’re seeing happen,' See said. 'I really approach that as trying to be in listening mode a lot to figure out where would guidance and uniformity be helpful for the industry … and where is it potentially a hindrance.' The incentives FERC gives for transmission development are 'an incredible tool' that can help the agency meet its goal of ensuring reliable and affordable power, according to See. 'We’re at a time where we need electrons to be able to get where they need to in an efficient and a cost effective manner, and that’s going to require new investments and new development, and we need that quickly,' See said. 'Incentives can play a really powerful role in moving that forward.'" https://lnkd.in/eVmXRMnP Story by Ethan Howland #transmission #AI #loadgrowth #datacenters

PowerOn Midwest is a historic transmission collaboration between four organizations, including three WIRES members - Great River Energy, ITC Holdings Corp. Midwest, and Xcel Energy. This series of new transmission projects - anchored by the first 765-kV backbone line in the Upper Midwest - will connect eastern South Dakota, southern Minnesota and the broader region, enhancing grid reliability in the Upper Midwest to meet growing and evolving energy needs in the coming decades. #gridstrong #stronggrid #transmission #transmissionbackbone #765kv #gridreliability #gridresilience

Our recent Fall Member Meeting panel discussion on Aging Transmission: Affordability and Resilience, brought together industry experts to explore how we can balance modernization with asset longevity. Key takeaways from the conversation: ⚡ Transmission infrastructure delivers critical economic and societal value, serving as the backbone of reliability and growth. ⚡ Many grid assets have operated beyond their traditionally considered 30–50 year lifespans. We need to rethink what is the true life span of an asset, which is closer to 100 years, and what can be done to prolong the tenure of this critical infrastructure. ⚡ While modernizing and expanding the grid is essential, utilities are also finding new ways to extend the life and enhance the performance of existing assets through upgrades and advanced transmission technology. ⚡ Existing transmission corridors are a gift — offering valuable opportunities to build upon established pathways and accelerate expansion. ⚡ Capitalized life extension is a growing trend to improve affordability and sustainability while maintaining reliability. ⚡ Regulatory innovation should incentivize solutions with the lowest life cycle cost. Thank you to our expert panelists, pictured (L-R): 🔹 Ben Lanz, APC Media LLC - Moderator 🔹 Vandan Divatia, Eversource Energy 🔹 Jose Villalba, Osmose 🔹 Raymond Gifford, Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP A recording of the discussion is now available on the Fall Member Meeting page: https://lnkd.in/eex5ZZsD #transmission #gridassets #criticalinfrastructure #resilientgrid #gridreliability #stronggrid #grid #AI #datacenters

Effective stakeholder communication isn't just important — it is essential to the success of every transmission project. Our first panel discussion at last week's WIRES Fall Member Meeting brought together a diverse mix of perspectives on how to engage communities effectively throughout the transmission planning and development lifecycle. From early engagement and “kitchen-table” coffee chats to discussing benefits in relatable ways, our panelists highlighted practical strategies for building trust, enhancing transparency, and finding common ground. As the need for grid modernization accelerates, collaboration and communication among regulators, utilities, developers, and communities is more important than ever. Thank you to our expert panelists for sharing their insights (L-R) 🔹 Margaret M. Neves, J.D., Jacobs – Moderator 🔹Robert Kuzman, Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) 🔹Stacey Burbure, American Electric Power 🔹Dan Scripps, Michigan Public Service Commission The recording of the discussion is now available on the WIRES YouTube channel: https://lnkd.in/e4KzEJMi #transmission #stakeholderengagement #transmissionbenefits #stronggrid #communityengagement #gridreliability