INSIGHTSSERIES
Power & Utilities | Smart Grid
May 11, 2026
Transmission Expansion Efforts Accelerate as Load Growth Reshapes Grid Planning
From advanced transmission technologies to streamlined regional planning, recent actions reflect a coordinated effort to expand grid capacity and contain energy costs.
Rapid growth in electricity demand is reshaping transmission planning across the U.S., prompting new…Read the full report
Key Takeaways
- The U.S. Energy Department is investing $1.9 billion to accelerate transmission upgrades through reconductoring and advanced transmission technologies aimed at increasing grid capacity.
- FERC has approved the Southwest Power Pool’s Consolidated Planning Process, marking the first regional effort to integrate transmission planning and generator interconnection processes.
- Colorado and Pennsylvania are advancing legislation requiring utilities to evaluate advanced transmission technologies as a means of unlocking additional capacity on existing infrastructure.
