Energy Biz - September/October 2008 - (Page 13) Transmission lines going up at East Mountain River in February 2005. A worker is installing a bundled spacer for transmission lines. an extra-high-voltage overlay to improve SPP’s energy import and export capabilities as well as allowing for improved interconnections between SPP and neighboring transmission systems. By taking a longer-term, strategic view of transmission expansion, the SPP plan quantifies the benefits of an extra-high-voltage transmission system, including reliability reinforcement, increased transport capability and creation of a reliable pipeline for delivery of renewable energy. The plan also recognizes that a 765-kilovolt transmission overlay will achieve these benefits in a more cost-effective, efficient manner with less land impact than lower-voltage options. One 765-kilovolt line on a 200-foot right of way can carry as much electricity as six 345-kilovolt single-circuit lines requiring 900 feet of right of way, and the 765-kilovolt line would cost half as much to build. We have listened to transmission system concerns from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, state commissions and legislators, and we believe the SPP plan and ETA’s approach is the answer for jump-starting modernization of the U.S. grid. By taking a longterm strategic approach with a broader geographic scope, securing regionalization of cost recovery for an extra-high-voltage system, committing to deployment of advanced technologies, and creating partnerships to share risk, resources and expertise, the United States can achieve an efficient, effective transmission grid and ensure that the capital invested in transmission infrastructure provides long-term benefits for our economy and environment. Lisa Barton is president of Electric Transmission America and vice president, transmission strategy and business development, American Electric Power. www.energycentral.com E n E rgyB i z 13 http://www.energycentral.com
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