The Value of Resilient Transmission

The electric grid is made up of two major types of power lines: transmission lines and distribution lines. The easiest way to understand their roles is by comparing them to a highway and local road system. Transmission lines are like highways — they efficiently carry large amounts of electricity over long distances, just as highways move large volumes of vehicles between cities. Distribution lines are like local roads — delivering electricity directly to homes and businesses in the same way that smaller streets connect neighborhoods to main roads.

Transmission is the backbone of the electric grid, ensuring that power flows from where it’s generated to where it’s needed most. It plays a crucial role in enabling a cleaner energy future by connecting consumers to renewable sources like wind, solar and hydroelectric power that are often built in remote locations. It enhances reliability by providing multiple pathways for electricity, helping to reduce the risk of outages. Transmission also helps keep power affordable by giving customers access to a wider range of energy sources and competitive pricing. Additionally, a strong transmission system is essential to national security, as it strengthens our ability to withstand the increasing amount and severity of weather, physical and cyber threats. Transmission also plays a key role in economic development by delivering reliable electricity that’s demanded to power advanced manufacturing, technology and other energy-intensive business operations.

However, just like highway systems can experience congestion, transmission lines can become overloaded when the demand for electricity exceeds capacity. To keep electricity flowing efficiently and reliably, the transmission system must be upgraded and expanded to support our growing energy needs in the region and beyond.

Transmission is the backbone of the electric grid and plays an important role in maintaining a strong economy. Since 2013, we’ve invested in focused upgrades and continued to innovate and advance our electric grid. These continued investments in the transmission system allow us to provide safe, reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity for both you and the region.

We’ve upgraded infrastructure by installing strong, more weather-resistant poles and wires, incorporated new advanced technologies and built new lines and facilities. Investments like these have helped to increase reliability and our customers are seeing the results.

• 93% decrease in frequency of outages.
• 89% decrease in transmission outages caused by lightning.
• 64% decrease in transmission outages caused by equipment failures.
• 79% decrease in transmission outages caused by avian / unknown.

All stats compare 2023 to 2012.

Improving and expanding the transmission system helps:

• Safeguard the grid from extreme weather, peak demand and physical and cyber threats.
• Reduce outages and alleviate grid congestion by creating more power pathways.
• Network with energy storage resources.
• Transport power from remote wind farms, solar arrays and other renewable energy sources.
• Invest in advanced technology that monitors and responds to issues in real-time.
• Enable electricity generation to be built in less costly locations and connect competitive markets to lower electricity costs.