Because of the energy bill….
The Department of Energy (DOE) is undertaking a study of electric transmission congestion and will report its findings to Congress in August. Following the report, DOE will designate any geographic area experiencing electric energy transmission capacity constraints or congestion that adversely affects consumers as a National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor (NIETC).
Yesterday, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC or Commission) issued proposed regulations for siting electric transmission facilities within DOE-designated NIETCs. In a statement accompanying the proposed regulations, FERC Chairman Joseph T. Kelliher noted that “[t]oday, we act to strengthen our energy infrastructure by issuing proposed rules to implement the transmission siting provisions of the Energy policy Act of 2005. These rules will govern the issuance of construction permits by the Commission for projects that meet the statutory criteria.” Once finalized, these rules will aid in increasing transmission capacity and maintaining the reliability of the nation’s grid.