Pew Applauds Utah Bill to Promote the Adoption of Advanced Transmission Technologies

WASHINGTON—The Pew Charitable Trusts today commended the unanimous passage of H.B. 212 by each chamber of the Utah State Legislature. The bill, sponsored by Representative Christine Watkins (R) and Senator David Hinkins (R), requires electric utilities in the state to analyze the cost-effectiveness and timeline for the deployment of advanced transmission technologies (ATTs) in any proposal to expand the transmission system, which moves large amounts of electricity from where it’s generated to where it’s needed.

ATTs are software and hardware tools that boost the capacity of transmission lines to carry more electricity, such as dynamic line rating systems—which use sensors to allow grid operators to boost line capacity by 10% to 30% based on real-time weather conditions, or high-performance transmission wires known as advanced conductors, which can carry 50% to 110% more power than conventional lines.

Carter Harms, an officer with Pew’s energy modernization project, issued the following statement:

“This bill encourages the consideration and use of advanced transmission technologies, which will allow Utah to squeeze more capacity out of the existing grid to meet growing electricity demand.

“The state’s electric grid is experiencing costly congestion and delays in connecting new power sources because of a lack of transmission capacity. With energy demand expected to continue growing, ATTs offer a near-term opportunity to address these capacity constraints.

“Although ATTs aren’t a substitute for new high-voltage transmission lines, they can be deployed in as little as three months and boost existing infrastructure capacity by as much as 110%, depending on the technology. Advanced conductors can also reduce line sag and mitigate the risk of wildfires, which can occur when transmission lines operating at high temperatures dip below safe levels and can potentially strike nearby trees or vegetation.

“Using ATTs to modernize Utah’s grid infrastructure will reduce costs to consumers by easing grid congestion.

“As Utah looks to realize economic and population growth, ATTs provide a prudent, cost-effective step toward delivering the abundant power the state’s future requires. Pew encourages Governor Spencer Cox to follow the legislature’s lead and sign this forward-facing bill into law.”

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More information about the power of grid modernization is available at www.pewtrusts.org/en/projects/energy-modernization.

Founded in 1948, The Pew Charitable Trusts uses data to make a difference. Pew addresses the challenges of a changing world by illuminating issues, creating common ground, and advancing ambitious projects that lead to tangible progress.