Transmission

Solar

Minnesota creates new ombudsperson role to help connect solar faster

Solar developers have long complained about the state’s lengthy process for connecting to the grid. The ombudsperson will work to resolve disputes.

By Frank Jossi . 11 July 2024

Transmission

New projects aim to break US barriers to digitizing the grid

U.S. utilities are just starting to deploy grid-boosting tech like Smart Wires’ SmartValve systems. A carbon-free grid will need a lot more of it to succeed.

By Jeff St. John . 20 June 2024
Transmission

Minnesota takes rare step to allow power lines alongside highways

A coalition striving to get states to approve high-voltage transmission lines along highways has won a first battle in Minnesota — and wants to expand to other states.

By Jeff St. John . 12 June 2024
Transmission

Better real-time data for the country's congested transmission lines

Dynamic-line-rating projects reveal how much power transmission lines can handle, expanding clean energy capacity without costly upgrades. The U.S. needs a lot more of them.

By Jeff St. John . 28 May 2024
Transmission

FERC passed big transmission reforms; now the hard part begins

Utilities and regulators have a lot of work ahead to enact new federal grid planning reforms — and to overcome political and financial interests.

By Jeff St. John . 20 May 2024
Transmission

Landmark transmission reform could dramatically speed US energy transition

FERC released a long-awaited rule meant to fix the sluggish power line buildout. Advocates say it’s a win for clean energy, consumers — and grid reliability.

By Jeff St. John . 13 May 2024
Transmission

Here’s where the Biden admin wants to build new power lines — ASAP

The Department of Energy wants to use a long-dormant — and controversial — federal authority to fast-track transmission projects crucial to the energy transition.

By Jeff St. John . 8 May 2024
Transmission

Looming power grid rules could make or break the US energy transition

Federal regulators are split on how to spread grid costs among states with dramatically different clean energy policies. Next week, they’ll reveal their decision.

By Jeff St. John . 7 May 2024
Transmission

The growing clean energy backlog, in five charts

New clean power and batteries could supplant fossil fuels and meet short-term grid reliability needs — if the U.S. can get them plugged into the grid.

By Jeff St. John . 6 May 2024
Clean energy

Clean energy in rural America gets another big boost of federal funding

The Biden administration announced $78 million — the latest from a $1 billion program — to install solar, batteries, and more in rural communities.

By Alison F. Takemura . 2 May 2024
Transmission

Chart: The US clean energy backlog is getting bigger and bigger

A mountain of solar, storage, and wind projects are waiting for permission to plug in. The interconnection queue is now double the size of the entire U.S. grid.

By Dan McCarthy, Maria Virginia Olano . 19 April 2024