New FERC transmission regulations aimed at boosting renewable generation

[kristopher]

Solar, Wind Projects Could Benefit From New Grid Regulations

New Hampshire, USA -- Solar and wind industry leaders are hailing interstate transmission line regulations adopted Friday by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) as a move that could boost renewable developments across the rural parts of the U.S.

The move by FERC on Friday paves the way for new planning and cost requirements that are expected to ultimately lower the price of transmission, especially to metropolitan areas where most of the power in consumed. Organizations like the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) and the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) say the move will help update an aging grid and will allow proposed developments in remote regions to push forward.

Many projects have struggled to gain financing because of questions surrounding who will pay for transmission projects. The new rules state those receiving the power will share in the costs, rather than being paid for only by those building the power development. The vote also creates a more regional planning and regulatory approach to the future of interstate transmission based on individual state policy.

According to the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), whose stated mission is to ensure the reliability of the North American bulk power system, approximately 60 percent of all new resources added to the grid by 2019 will come from wind and solar.

“Strengthening and expanding...

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2011/07/solar-wind-projects-could-benefit-from-new-grid-regulations?cmpid=SolarNL-Tuesday-July26-2011