Cheaper, Cleaner, Faster

This RMI briefing outlines how US Public Utility Commissions (PUCs) can use grid-enhancing technologies (GETs) to resolve transmission bottlenecks that are delaying the interconnection of renewable energy. It identifies regulatory 'gold plating' and 'capex bias' as primary barriers and proposes four strategies—knowledge building, planning mandates, financial incentive reforms, and FERC engagement—to accelerate the deployment of these cost-effective solutions.

• Transmission capacity is a critical bottleneck for the US energy transition; in 2022, 95 percent of the 2,000 GW of new capacity seeking grid interconnection consisted of zero-carbon resources, yet many will not come online because interconnection queues are nearly twice as long as they were in 2015.
• Grid-enhancing technologies (GETs) can maximize existing transmission capacity by adjusting line ratings in real-time, re-routing power, and optimizing flows. They are often faster to install than new lines and can have payback periods of less than one year.
• The adoption of GETs is hindered by utility risk aversion and 'perverse incentives' in regulation. Specifically, 'gold plating' occurs when utilities increase profits by building more expensive systems than necessary, and 'capex bias' leads them to prioritize capital expenditures over the operational efficiencies provided by GETs.
• Public Utility Commissions (PUCs) can accelerate GETs deployment through four strategies: 1) building knowledge via investigative proceedings or cost-benefit analyses; 2) mandating GETs consideration in planning and interconnection studies; 3) implementing financial reforms like performance incentive mechanisms (PIMs), shared savings mechanisms (SSMs), or totex ratemaking; and 4) advocating for rules in FERC proceedings (such as Docket Nos. AD22-8-000, RM21-17, and RM20-10-000).

APA

RMI (2023). Cheaper, Cleaner, Faster. https://rmi.org/resources/cheaper-cleaner-faster/

Chicago

RMI. Cheaper, Cleaner, Faster. 2023. https://rmi.org/resources/cheaper-cleaner-faster/.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=RMI |title=Cheaper, Cleaner, Faster |date=13 July 2023 |url=https://rmi.org/resources/cheaper-cleaner-faster/ |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{rmi2023cheaper, author = {{RMI}}, title = {{Cheaper, Cleaner, Faster}}, institution = {RMI}, year = {2023}, month = jul, url = {https://rmi.org/resources/cheaper-cleaner-faster/}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }