T&D Grid

“Until a solution is determined and implemented, dramatically increasing demand leads to dramatically increasing whole­sale prices for capacity, energy, and transmission, which is generally passed through to retail customers.”

“A central concern for regulators is that existing cost allocation frameworks are ill-suited for such sudden spikes in capacity needs, creating a risk of unwarranted subsidies from existing customers to data centers.”

“Our objective is to ensure that when a utility invests capital in infrastructure, it captures the full value of that investment. Life extension complements other utility initiatives by maximizing the performance of existing assets.”

“Grid enhancing technologies (GETs) – also known as advanced transmission technologies (ATTs) – are hardware and software that can be deployed relatively quickly and cheaply to increase the efficiency of and space on the existing electricity grid.”

“AI-driven load growth is geographically concentrated and physically resource-intensive. But the principle holds: structural innovation – alongside technology – may be the unlock.”

“Combined benefits translate to financial savings and environmental advantages. Every kilowatt-hour saved through reduced line losses represents avoided generation costs and reduced emissions. Improved efficiency helps utilities maximize grid assets while minimizing costs that flow through to customers.”

“The Smart Energy Plan is a program passed through the Missouri legislature to increase reliability. A lot of our infrastructure has been around for 50 to 60 years and is getting close to end of life where it’s time to be replaced with newer, stronger, hardened infrastructure.”

“For years, utilities have expressed concern that DERs do not respond to grid conditions. These approaches are our chance to enable that, to make load and generation more collaborative and reduce the total amount of grid investment needed.”

“The data center load under contract will more than double the peak demand of Indiana Michigan Power Company over the next five years. This is a terrific opportunity but also presents a significant challenge in terms of grid upgrades, increased generation capacity requirements, and capital outlays.”

“Utilities are challenged with managing the higher prices for energy, increased infrastructure to move the electricity, keeping it all reliable, and then somehow trying to figure out how to make it somewhat affordable for people. It’s a complex puzzle that we have to work through.”