In March, over 100,000 Maine residents faced power outages lasting more than 48 hours due to damaged transmission lines caused by an ice storm. While such extreme weather events may seem random or unavoidable, the lack of proper transmission infrastructure is increasingly becoming a challenge for the energy grid.
A poorly supported and maintained transmission grid not only threatens reliability but also results in higher electricity prices for consumers. The Department of Energy’s Grid Deployment Office reports that 70% of the nation’s existing transmission lines are over 25 years old, nearing the end of their average lifespan of 50 years and in need of immediate upgrades.
The need for additional transmission capacity is evident, with projections suggesting a nearly 60% increase by 2035 to meet rising demand. However, the construction of new transmission lines is not keeping pace, particularly for larger regional and interregional lines that can take more than a decade to get permitted.
While China has built 260 gigawatts of high-capacity interregional transmission since 2014, the United States has only built three gigawatts, despite having 2,600 gigawatts of generating capacity awaiting approval. This highlights the urgent need for more transmission infrastructure to meet demand, ensure reliability, reduce costs, and support the transition to cleaner energy sources.
Improving and expanding transmission diversifies energy generation sources, reduces reliance on a single energy type, and provides essential support during crises by mitigating the impact of transmission line failures or congestion-related outages. A well-connected grid not only enhances energy security but also fosters healthy competition among electricity generators, driving down costs for consumers.
Investing in transmission infrastructure can lead to significant economic benefits, including lower energy bills and increased market competition. Strengthening the grid also safeguards critical infrastructure like military installations, hospitals, and emergency services, ensuring uninterrupted power supply during crucial times.
Despite debates on energy sources, there is a consensus on the need to increase generation and transmission buildout simultaneously. It is essential to streamline government regulations to facilitate the development of transmission projects and realize the full potential of a secure, efficient, and reliable energy landscape for all.
