ATC Transmission System Assessment describes changing landscape
Plans address generation changes, reliability requirements, industry dynamics
PEWAUKEE, Wis. – American Transmission Co.’s 2014 10-Year Transmission System Assessment is now available and describes the need for continued investment to address not only reliability needs, but also to respond to an evolving regional energy market and changes in public policy concerning air quality rules and renewable energy standards.
“The energy landscape in which we operate today looks vastly different than it did when we began operations in 2001,” said Ron Snead, vice president of system planning. “The grid is being asked to perform in ways it was not originally intended. We continue to work with our interconnected customers to meet their reliability needs and to share information about how changes in their operations impact our system.”
The planning analysis calls for $3.3 billion to $3.9 billion in infrastructure investment, including $1.4 billion in specific network projects, $1.2 billion in maintenance, $500 million in regional Multi-Value Projects, and $200 million to $800 million in other capital projects.
“Transmission remains a good value for electricity consumers,” Snead said, noting that transmission costs within the ATC service territory remain about 8 to 9 percent of a retail customer’s electric bill.
To read the full report, go to www.atc10yearplan.com.