The Electricity Transmission Competition Coalition (ETCC) released the following statement in response to the introduction of S.F. No.3461 by State Senator Andrew Mathews, which would eliminate anti-competitive provisions that favor the electricity transmission utility incumbent and harm Minnesota’s consumers. The existing statute, a so-called right of first refusal (ROFR) law, gives preferential treatment to the incumbent utility, restricting competition and innovation and leading to higher electricity prices.

“The Electricity Transmission Competition Coalition applauds Senator Matthews for his leadership. The bill will open up Minnesota’s electricity transmission to competition, lowering electricity prices for all Minnesotans, from large and small businesses to single-family households,” said Paul Cicio, Chair of the Electricity Transmission Competition Coalition. “As we move to a more electrified society, competition is critical to America’s energy transition and economic prosperity.”

The ETCC welcomes legislation at the federal and state level that promotes competition and transparency in the transmission planning and construction process. Research by the Brattle Group has found that competitive bidding results in an estimated 20 to 30 percent cost savings for transmission projects (link).

About the Electricity Transmission Competition Coalition

The Electricity Transmission Competition Coalition (ETCC) is a broad-based, nation-wide coalition committed to increasing competition in America’s electricity transmission infrastructure. We advocate for common-sense policies and solutions that result in competitively priced transmission projects, which reduce energy costs for all ratepayers – from large manufacturers to residential consumers. The ETCC represents a diverse group of more than 70 companies and organizations from all 50 states, including manufacturing groups, retail electric consumers, state consumer advocates, public power representatives, think tanks, and non-incumbent transmission developers.

For more information, visit: www.electricitytransmissioncompetitioncoalition.org.

Press Contact:
Julian Graham
jgraham@signaldc.com