Progress From Within and Without: The Multi-Stakeholder Approach to Enhancing the U.S. Transmission Grid Within, Between and Among Regions

The U.S. electric grid is at a crossroads, challenged to meet growing energy demand, integrate renewable resources, and resolve widespread transmission congestion and capacity constraints. Meeting these challenges requires a considerable effort of collaboration among a diverse range of stakeholders, including state public utility commissions, regional transmission organizations (RTOs/ISOs), federal agencies like the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the Department of Energy, non-profits like Americans for a Clean Energy Grid (ACEG), and private companies, including Big Tech and companies working to spur innovation through electrification of their processes. The collective work of these stakeholders is immense and ongoing, as highlighted by the 2023 Transmission Planning and Development Regional Report Card created by ACEG . While no region has yet earned an “A” grade— with 2023 grades ranging from a “B” in CAISO (California) and MISO (a region encompassing all or part of 15 states in the Midwest and Southern sections of the U.S.) to an “F” in the Southeast (a region encompassing all or part of 7 states in the Southeastern section of the U.S.).? This extensive collaboration underscores the growing recognition of the need for coordinated, unified action across the U.S. by stakeholders evolved from different sectors of the U.S economy. The message is clear: tremendous effort is underway, and there is even more opportunity for deeper collaboration to drive progress in the stability and reliability of the transmission grid throughout the U.S., which is among the most important national security issues we face as a nation.

Intra-regional collaboration is a fundamental element of addressing transmission challenges, which vary widely across states and regions. Stakeholders within each region are working to identify bottlenecks and prioritize infrastructure improvements that meet unique geographic and economic needs.

Inter-regional collaboration takes this effort a step further, addressing transmission challenges that span state and regional boundaries. Energy flows and transmission constraints in one region affect reliability and costs nationwide. Coordination within, between and among regions enables the efficient transfer of renewable energy from resource-rich areas to high-demand centers, supporting both economic growth and the clean energy transition. Frameworks such as FERC Order Nos. 1920 and 1920-A provide essential guidance, emphasizing the importance of proactive, long-term planning. Yet the ACEG Report Card highlights uneven progress, particularly in the Southeast, where an “F” grade reflects the need for much greater coordination. Expanding and deepening collaboration within, between and among regions is critical to overcoming these gaps.

Innovation also plays a pivotal role in these efforts, with grid-enhancing technologies (GETs) offering transformative opportunities to address congestion and capacity constraints. Technologies like Google’s carbon-intelligent computing platform, topology optimization, and advanced power flow controls are already enabling stakeholders to maximize the efficiency and efficacy of existing transmission infrastructure. These tools empower stakeholders to work smarter, not just harder, reducing congestion and improving grid reliability without the need for costly, time-intensive transmission expansion. By integrating these advanced solutions into planning processes, stakeholders can enhance collaboration and ensure that all customers—whether residential users or large-scale energy buyers—benefit equitably from grid improvements.

The transmission grid is the critical super highway that connects energy supply and demand. But our grid was designed for the power plants of the past—not for the diverse range of resources and technologies of our clean energy future.

- Rob Gramlich, Founder & President of Grid Strategies

The tremendous collaboration among stakeholders across the energy ecosystem is already reshaping the grid, but there is room—and a clear need—for even greater partnership. The 2023 ACEG Report Card, FERC Orders 1920 and 1920-A reflect both the progress and the gaps that remain, calling for a redoubling of efforts to ensure all regions improve their performance and a variety of stakeholders have a voice in the development and implementation of those performance improvements. The U.S. energy future depends on stakeholders aligning their efforts, deepening their commitment to partnership, and leveraging innovative solutions to build a resilient, efficient, and interconnected grid. The ongoing efforts are substantial, but the opportunities for even greater collaboration, innovation and lasting impact are boundless. Together, stakeholders have the power to transform the grid into a cornerstone of a clean, reliable energy future for all throughout the U.S.