LineVision Policy Insight — Grid Enhancing Technologies

Here at LineVision, we’re constantly keeping an eye on policy and funding opportunities for our partners in order to provide expert counsel and insight. Most recently, we shared that the Secretary of Energy’s advisory board released recommendations in June on how to spend IIJA funding, including the Smart Grid Investment fund of $3B. Per their direction, the board recommends investing in Grid Enhancing Technologies (GETs).

The board stated that the Department of Energy (DOE) should be making grants to Regional Transmission Organizations (RTOs) in order to study the deployment of GETs, as well as reserving “most of the program funds to add intelligence, control and capability to the bulk transmission grid.” The DOE was also encouraged to “consider a grant program to support a nationwide revamping of line ratings.”

They summed up five points of guiding criteria to ensure this allocation of funds is successful:

1. Maximize use of existing transmission grid to facilitate high volumes of zero carbon energy.
2. Enable projects and technology deployment which would not ordinarily happen on their own.
3. Prioritize projects that facilitate regional and inter-regional power flows
4. Deployment of technologies to reduce bottlenecks in transmission interconnection queues.
5. Supporting uses that provide the greatest benefit-cost ratio

So… what does this mean for the future of GETs? We believe these policy recommendations will encourage utilities to invest in GETs. When a utility deploys a GET, installation costs (including RTO software upgrades, personnel training, data links and other costs) will qualify as a match under the Bill requirements, thus reducing the out-of-pocket costs for utilities to get grid enhancing technologies up and running. Utilities will be able to unlock transmission capacity on their existing infrastructure, allowing for the ability to reach clean energy goals sooner.

Not only will these changes help utilities, but they’ll help us forge forward on the path to a net zero grid. Stay tuned for updates!

Hilary Pearson, Senior Director Governmental & Regulatory Affairs at LineVision

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