Construction of a new 765-kV transmission “backbone” in Texas will cost only 4% more than expanding the existing 345-kV system to enable anticipated load growth, according to a January analysis by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas. The higher voltage system would lower congestion costs and energy losses, boost transfer capabilities and improve electric reliability, the grid […]
ERCOT developed the Permian Basin Reliability Plan Study and filed it with the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) in July 2024. The plan identified both local transmission needs and imports needs, which included 345-kV, 500-kV, and 765-kV import path options. PUCT issued an order approving the plan in October 2024. The PUCT will make […]
Transmission system congestion is an issue that is plaguing our nation’s electric grid, and Texas/ERCOT is no exception. The Lonestar State is known for consuming the most energy of any state in the U.S., but it has also integrated the most renewable resources.
The U.S. electric grid and transmission infrastructure are both aging and challenged in their ability to meet future loads. Yet demand continues to grow, driven by the electrification and decarbonization efforts needed to achieve a net-zero emission economy by 2050.
When power reserves dropped steeply Wednesday evening, pushing the Texas power grid into emergency mode, people had a lot of theories about what happened. Did a large power plant suddenly break down? Did the shorter fall days cut solar power just when we needed it? Was it something else entirely?
