North America | October 2, 2024

California Governor Signs Bill Requiring Utilities to Consider Grid Enhancing Technologies

The bill requires utilities to evaluate GETs projects for seven distinct cost-saving, decarbonization, and safety benefits. 

 

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a bill into law that requires utilities to evaluate Grid Enhancing Technologies (GETs) in transmission planning. The bill, SB 1006, aims to enhance California’s grid capacity by 10-30% by incentivizing the use of GETs such as dynamic line ratings, advanced power flow control devices, and topology optimization.

Grid Enhancing Technologies

GETs are technologies that can enhance the capacity and efficiency of the grid, allowing for more renewable energy to be integrated into the system. Dynamic line ratings, for example, can increase the capacity of existing transmission lines, while advanced power flow control devices can optimize the flow of energy across the grid.

Benefits of the Bill

The bill is expected to have several benefits, including:

  • Increased grid capacity: By incentivizing the use of GETs, the bill aims to increase California’s grid capacity by 10-30%.
  • Cost savings: GETs can help reduce the cost of transmitting energy, making it more affordable for consumers.
  • Decarbonization: The bill supports California’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by increasing the use of renewable energy.
  • Safety benefits: GETs can help improve the safety of the grid by reducing the risk of power outages and improving the overall reliability of the system.

 

Industry Reaction

The bill has been welcomed by industry experts, who see it as a crucial step in the transition to renewable energy. Edson Perez, California lead at Advanced Energy United, stated that the bill incentivizes the state to find the best ways to deploy GETs across California’s utilities.

Source: Renewable Energy World