Clean power gets cheaper when states can move it across the grid faster. The transmission strategies here all focus on using existing corridors, existing interconnection, and storage more effectively before assuming the only answer is a brand-new line.
The surplus interconnection paper shows how much clean energy can be deployed by using existing fossil interconnection rather than waiting for an entirely new queue position. That means faster deployment and less new transmission cost for the same clean buildout.
WP343 finds that advanced conductors can cost-effectively double transmission capacity in existing rights-of-way and can meet more than 80% of the new interzonal transmission needed for a very high-clean-power system. The key affordability claim is simple: much of that expansion can come at around one-third the cost of building a new line.
Storage can move energy into hours when transmission headroom already exists. In the simulator, that means storage is not only a generation strategy. It is also a wires strategy because it helps states use existing transmission more intensely before expanding it.
Transmission affordability depends on disciplining the old “just build another line” reflex. The playbook instead pushes states to measure utilization, allow more flexible interconnection, and accelerate upgrades in corridors customers already paid for.
States can require grid-utilization metrics, annual reporting, and direct regulator review of whether storage, VPPs, and non-wires alternatives could defer new transmission and distribution capex.
Flexible or curtailment-ready interconnection and bring-your-own-capacity structures can reduce queue delays and keep households from subsidizing large-load infrastructure.
States and regional planners can require reconductoring, advanced conductors, flow controls, and dynamic line rating to be evaluated explicitly before defaulting to a new line.
Texas, New York, and California see the largest modeled value from transmission reuse because the clean-energy buildout needs more room on existing wires.