Mid-Atlantic Region

Key Transmission Challenges in the Mid-Atlantic

• Regional Grid Constraints
  The Mid-Atlantic faces transmission congestion, especially in urban areas like New York City and Washington, D.C., where demand exceeds local generation capacity. Expanding transmission infrastructure is necessary to reduce these bottlenecks and enable better energy flow across the region.
• Renewable Energy Integration
  The region has an increasing focus on offshore wind and solar energy. However, connecting these renewable sources to the grid requires substantial upgrades to existing transmission infrastructure and the development of new transmission corridors.
• Siting and Permitting Obstacles
  The dense population and urban nature of the Mid-Atlantic pose challenges for siting new transmission infrastructure. Public opposition, environmental regulations, and local zoning rules add complexity to permitting processes.

 Federal and State Roles in Mid-Atlantic Transmission Planning

• Federal Oversight and Support
  FERC plays a central role in the Mid-Atlantic, overseeing regional transmission organizations like PJM Interconnection. The Department of Energy (DOE) supports transmission development with funding and research, and federal agencies like the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) assist with offshore wind transmission projects.
• State and Local Involvement
  States like New York and New Jersey are at the forefront of renewable energy integration, but siting challenges persist. State PUCs are essential for approving transmission projects, while local governments have a say in permitting and environmental reviews.

FERC Order No. 1920: Impact on Mid-Atlantic

• How FERC Order No. 1920 Applies to the Mid-Atlantic
  FERC’s directive to improve regional transmission planning will benefit the Mid-Atlantic region by supporting the integration of renewable resources and addressing cost allocation challenges. This will streamline the development of large transmission projects like the offshore wind connections in New Jersey and other states.
• Advanced Transmission Technologies (ATTs) in the Mid-Atlantic
  The Mid-Atlantic is exploring technologies such as HVDC lines and grid-enhancing technologies to improve transmission efficiency. These innovations will help reduce congestion and enable the integration of large-scale offshore wind projects into the regional grid.

Regional Transmission and Interregional Planning

• Regional Transmission Planning
  PJM Interconnection is responsible for coordinating transmission planning across the Mid-Atlantic, ensuring that new infrastructure projects meet regional demand and renewable energy goals. PJM’s regional planning process has already been instrumental in improving grid reliability across the region.
• Interregional Transmission Planning
  Interregional planning in the Mid-Atlantic will allow for better energy sharing with neighboring regions like the Northeast and Southeast, improving grid stability and supporting the integration of renewable energy.

Key Stakeholders and Initiatives

• Regional Transmission Organizations (RTOs)
  PJM Interconnection is the primary RTO in the Mid-Atlantic. It plays a crucial role in managing grid operations and transmission planning across several states.
• Collaborative Initiatives and Advocacy Groups
  Groups like the Mid-Atlantic Renewable Energy Coalition (MAREC) advocate for transmission upgrades to support renewable energy development. The offshore wind sector is also a key driver of new transmission projects.

Take Action & Get Involved

Take action to advocate for transmission upgrades in your state by joining regional energy initiatives and engaging with local decision-makers to support renewable energy transmission. Visit our Take Action page now!