Utility Dive examines the role grassroots can play in leading the nation through its transmission obstacles, quoting Verna Mandez on the need for states to take more initiative.
As clean energy production ramps up, transmission reform is becoming a major priority for the renewables industry. Tens of thousands of megawatts of wind and solar capacity are in the interconnection queue, waiting to be able to connect to the grid.
The debt ceiling agreement reached by Congress and the White House earlier this month contained reforms to permitting, but not transmission. It instead requires the North American Electric Reliability Corp., or NERC, to study interregional transmission capacity needs between regions over 18 months.
“That will take time, it will take at least two years for that study to be completed,” Kasotia said in an interview. “So, personally, I do believe it’s going to delay meaningful action on transmission reform. I felt it was not a genuine request to address the transmission understanding or transmission knowledge that congressional members don’t have.”
Some transmission developers have found innovative ways to garner community support, said Advanced Energy United’s Transmission Campaign Director Verna Mandez. In 2021, Southern California Edison collaborated with the Morongo Band of Mission Indians to upgrade transmission lines that crossed their reservation, with Morongo financing part of the project and becoming a part-owner in exchange.
In a release announcing the partnership, the tribe said it was the first Native American tribe in the U.S. to become a participating transmission owner. The California Independent System Operator had earlier that year approved Morongo’s application to join, with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission following suit to finalize the tribe’s status as a transmission operator.
“Congressional discussions are critical, yet states across the country should be the catalyst for change,” Mandez said in an interview. “States have the power to create a more reliable and secure clean energy grid through the development of transmission infrastructure.”
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