The recent report from The Brattle Group shines a spotlight on the urgent need for proactive transmission planning in the US Mid-Atlantic states. Commissioned by the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) and the Mid-Atlantic Renewable Energy Coalition (MAREC Action), this study outlines seven distinct pathways that states can leverage to enhance their transmission infrastructure. The implications are enormous, promising not just to reduce costs but also to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy, particularly offshore wind.
ACORE’s president and CEO, Ray Long, emphasizes the clarity of the benefits: “The benefits of expanding the US grid to deliver affordable, clean power to all Americans are clear, and there are a lot of options to help plan and execute these upgrades.” It’s a call to action that resonates deeply in a time when the urgency of climate change weighs heavily on both policymakers and consumers. The report serves as a roadmap, showing that time is of the essence. The transition to clean energy isn’t just a lofty goal; it’s a necessity that requires immediate action.
The study underscores the importance of state leadership and collaboration among states in the PJM region—an area that includes Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland. Joe DeLosa III from The Brattle Group notes that “coordinated transmission development can reduce the cost of achieving state policy goals.” This isn’t just about piecemeal solutions; it’s about a comprehensive strategy that can bring together multiple stakeholders to create a more resilient and efficient grid.
Among the seven pathways identified, a multi-state, multi-driver approach stands out as the most beneficial. This approach enables states to not only meet their individual needs but also to align their efforts with broader regional goals. However, the report warns that the window for action is closing. Delays in planning can erode the potential benefits, which means states must act swiftly to capitalize on these opportunities.
The report also highlights the potential for extending planning collaboration beyond state borders, a strategy that could amplify benefits significantly. The Northeast States Collaborative on Interregional Transmission is already making strides in this direction, and the Brattle Group’s findings suggest that such collaborative efforts could be a game-changer for the region.
Evan Vaughan, executive director of MAREC Action, puts it succinctly: “Building offshore wind at scale in the next decade is essential to meeting electricity demand in a clean and reliable manner, but transmission planning must start today.” This statement encapsulates the urgency of the moment. The future of energy in the Mid-Atlantic hinges on proactive planning, and the report serves as an empowering tool for states to take charge of their energy futures.
In a sector often bogged down by bureaucratic red tape, this report is a clarion call for action. It provides a clear path forward, urging policymakers to embrace collaborative, forward-thinking strategies. The time to act is now—because the future of clean energy isn’t just about meeting demand; it’s about ensuring that the transition is as smooth and cost-effective as possible. The stakes are high, and the opportunities are ripe for the taking.
