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CAPITOLWIRE
House panel OK transmission lines upgrade
Legislation requiring utilities to install new technology on transmission lines to save energy and cut electric bills was approved Monday by a House committee.
The Energy Committee voted 16-10 for an amended House Bill 2233 sponsored by Committee Majority Chair Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Philadelphia.
HB2233 addresses advanced transmission technology (ATT) which includes installing conductors, timing devices and software on transmission lines. It requires utilities to consider using the technology for existing transmission lines before building new ones.
Advocates say these technologies can tap or save enough energy to help lessen the need for new power plants or transmission lines.
No one claims that tech devices alone will solve what some call an energy crisis.
Using ATT can help get more electric power out of the existing transmission lines, said Fiedler. ATT can make the grid more resilient and avoid power blackouts, she added.
Committee Minority Chair Martin Causer, R-Bradford, said he opposes HB2333 because it sets a mandate. But Causer expressed hope further negotiations will lead to a bill he can support.
The committee amended the bill by directing the state Public Utility Commission (PUC) to set ATT standards for utilities to follow.
In recent testimony, PUC Executive Director Stephen DeFrank said he supported HB2333 in general.
“The use of these technologies is particularly wise given the ever-present concerns for resource adequacy and affordability in the electric sector,” said DeFrank.
DeFrank cited PPL Corp. and Duquesne Light Co. for using a technology known as “dynamic line rating” to expand capacity and efficiency on congested transmission lines.
This involves installing sensors on lines to monitor real-time weather so operators can safely increase the power flow on congested lines.
“ATTs reduce unnecessary utility spending on new infrastructure,” said Evergreen Action, a clean energy advocacy group. “ATTs can double the capacity of existing transmission lines and cost about half as much as building new ones.