With data centers rapidly expanding across Pennsylvania, the Commonwealth’s need for reliable, affordable electricity is growing fast. New transmission infrastructure is needed, but it will take years and cost billions to build out. What if we could get more capacity from the transmission system we already have — at a fraction of the cost, and much sooner?

In this episode of Pennsylvania Legacies, host Josh Raulerson sits down with Chris D’Agostino, Policy Principal for Advanced Energy United, and Jenny Netherton, Officer at the Pew Charitable Trusts, to explore a rising solution in Pennsylvania’s energy landscape: advanced transmission technologies (ATTs).

“ATTs are a suite of hardware and software solutions that can help us squeeze more power out of our grid,” said Netherton.

By upgrading the “highway for electrons,” ATTs can make Pennsylvania’s existing grid more efficient and resilient while new generation and transmission are being developed. Transmission systems equipped with these new technologies are more responsive to weather events and wildfire risks. They can also create pathways for faster deployment of new clean energy sources.

“One of the reasons why these generation systems can’t go online right away is because there’s congestion in the grid, and ATTs can help address that,” said D’Agostino. When ATTs help address that, it makes it easier for new clean energy to come online.”

Quickly scaling up renewable and zero-carbon power generation with ATTs will help rein in emissions, but it’s also a way to control rising utility costs for consumers, since the cleanest energy sources are also among the most cost-effective.

“As new large load customers and data centers choose Pennsylvania for their projects, ATTs can help manage reliability and affordability for Pennsylvania residents,” said Netherton.