WASHINGTON – In response to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) workshop on Interregional Transfer Capability Transmission Planning & Cost Allocation Requirements, Paul Cicio, Chair of the Electricity Transmission Competition Coalition, released the following statement:

“Any interregional transmission projects 100kV or larger that evolve must be competitively bid. Electricity transmission competition has been found to lower costs by as much as 40 percent.[1] If the U.S. is to reach its net zero goals by 2050, $2.1 trillion in spending on transmission projects will be required.[2] As FERC discusses interregional transfer capability and cost allocation, it is imperative competition is part of the conversation. FERC can save American ratepayers billions by following President Biden’s lead on competition policy and the guidance of the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission, both of which support transmission competition.”

###

[1] Brattle Group: Cost Savings Offered by Competition in Electric Transmission, https://www.brattle.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/16726_cost_savings_offered_by_competition_in_electric_transmission.pdf

[2] 2NET-ZERO AMERICA: Potential Pathways, Infrastructure, and Impacts, Princeton University, https://netzeroamerica.princeton.edu/?explorer=year&state=national&table=2020&limit=200

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 86 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