WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and Angus King (I-Maine) joined U.S. Representative Kathy Castor (D-FL-14) in introducing the Advancing Grid-Enhancing Technologies Act, bicameral legislation to boost investments in grid-enhancing technologies (GETs), a type of transmission technology that expands the capacity of existing transmission infrastructure. The lawmakers’ billwould increase U.S. grid capacity by requiring the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to establish an incentive that splits savings generated by GETs implementation between the installer and ratepayers.
“We’re at a crucial turning point in our work to achieve a clean energy transition, and meeting this moment requires new investments in clean energy technologies that strengthen the capacity of our transmission system,” said Senator Welch. “The Advancing GETs Act will motivate grid operators and developers to bring new projects online that expand transmission capacity by guaranteeing returns for these targeted, cost-saving investments. Our legislation will be crucial to boosting transmission capacity and will help the United States cost-effectively achieve its clean energy goals while lowering electricity bills and for working families.”
“As technology improves and grows more efficient, we should incorporate this innovation into our energy grid to better serve American homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure,” said Senator King. “As we work to create a sustainable clean energy future, streamlined transmission is urgently needed. The Advancing GETs Act will create an incentives program to help spur new, smart solutions expanding existing transmission infrastructure. This bill is another step forward in meeting the need for reliable, affordable, and clean electricity.”
“Consumers deserve lower electric bills and a more reliable electric grid. By optimizing the existing grid infrastructure and decreasing the need for costly upgrades, GETs can build a more stable power supply. These technologies pave the way for a more efficient, affordable, and sustainable energy future for everyone,” said Rep. Castor. “In order to quickly bring these projects online and meet growing electricity demand, we must upgrade our old, congested transmission infrastructure. The Advancing GETs Act will help us do that by supercharging the deployment of grid-enhancing technologies that enable transmission operators to maximize the capacity of existing power lines, increase reliability, and lower prices.”
The Advancing GETs Act is endorsed by the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE), Electricity Consumers Resource Council, Natural Resources Defense Council, Sierra Club, Solar Energy Industries Association, and the WATT Coalition.
“At a moment where our country faces unprecedented growth in energy demand, expected to surge 35-50% by 2040, evolving the way we deliver power is as critical as ever. Grid-enhancing technologies (GETs) will be needed to quickly and affordably increase transmission capacity. ACP commends Sen. Welch and Rep. Castor for introducing the Advancing GETs Act which creates incentives for these technologies. We look forward to working with them as this bill moves through the legislative process,” said Jason Grumet, CEO of American Clean Power Association (ACP).
“Delivering the cheapest power is not part of the business model for utilities who own the grid. This regulatory problem means that grid constraints that could be addressed with low-cost technologies add $3-8 billion to electricity costs every year. The Advancing GETs Act aligns utility and consumer incentives for technologies that can save money and improve grid reliability and security. GETs can be deployed in less than a year to open up the grid for cheaper energy and new industries,” said Julia Selker, Executive Director of the WATT Coalition.
Grid-enhancing technologies provide crucial opportunities to upgrade America’s aging infrastructure by enabling grid operators to more dynamically manage the flow of electricity and increase cost-effective capacity of existing infrastructure. However, current financial incentives have proven inadequate in encouraging developers to implement GETs. Currently, utilities see guaranteed returns on investment for building larger, expensive infrastructure such as new transmission lines and power generation plants, but get little or no return for targeted, cost-saving investments like GETs.
The Advancing Grid-Enhancing Technologies Act would increase U.S. grid capacity by requiring FERC to establish an incentive that splits savings generated by GETs implementation between the installer and ratepayers. The legislation would motivate developers to invest in GETs by rewarding deployment of GETs projects that result in savings of at least four times their upfront cost and deliver a net benefit to ratepayers. Additionally, the Advancing GETs Act includes an annual reporting requirement that directs transmission owners to report costs associated with congestion to FERC and directs the Commission to analyze and make this data available to the public. The legislation also charges the Department of Energy with creating an application guide for implementing GETs projects, providing technical assistance to stakeholders interested in GETs, and managing a clearinghouse with examples of GETs projects.
Last year, Sens. Welch, King and Reps. Castor and Paul Tonko (D-NY-20) sent a letter to FERC leadership urging the Commission to implement shared savings incentive that promote the deployment of GETs to expand transmission capacity and meet rapid growth in electricity demand.
Learn more and read a section-by-section summary about the Advancing GETs Act.
Read and download the full bill text.
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