October 3, 2007

DOE made its proposed National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors (NIETC) official yesterday, choosing the Mid Atlantic and Southwest.

          The Mid-Atlantic corridor stretches from the Baltimore-Washington area up to New York City.

          The Southwest includes a large swath of Southern California including Los Angeles and San Diego plus parts of Arizona.  The proposal included parts of Nevada but that part was cut.

          The two areas represent some of the fastest growth in the country and have seen rising congestion lately.

          The NIETC declarations give a signal that the federal government understands significant transmission problems exist, said Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman.

          "The goal is simple -- to keep reliable supplies of electric energy flowing to all Americans," he added.

          "By designating these National Corridors, we're encouraging stakeholders in these regions to identify solutions and take prompt action."

          The Pennsylvania PUC was disappointed that DOE approved the Mid Atlantic Corridor that includes 52 out of 67 counties.

          "A designation that stands to place unbounded authority in the hands of the federal government and takes away the rights of states to make choices that will be in the best interest of their citizens troubles me," said Commissioner Tyrone Christy.

          The Pennsylvania PUC isn't the only opposition.  The Senate recently came close to adding a provision to end NIETCs to its energy bill.

          The DOE laid out the corridors but if they go forward, FERC will have authority over what projects can be built in them.