Utah leads US in grid modernisation efforts
Utah’s new law on advanced transmission technologies sets a model for other US states to strengthen grid reliability and expand capacity.
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USA, Utah, Salt Lake City: Utah has taken a major step toward modernising its electricity grid with the adoption of advanced transmission technologies (ATTs), which is a suite of software and hardware tools that boost the capacity of existing transmission lines and enable faster integration of new energy sources.
Earlier this year, Governor Spencer Cox signed H.B. 212 into law, requiring utilities to evaluate the cost-effectiveness and implementation of ATTs in all new transmission expansion proposals. The move positions Utah among more than 15 US states that are advancing policies to deploy smarter, more efficient grid infrastructure.
Under the new legislation, the Public Service Commission will oversee how utilities integrate these technologies into their planning and operations. To support this, The Pew Charitable Trusts hosted a technical briefing in Salt Lake City in July, with input from Rocky Mountain Power, Grid Strategies, and GridLab, among others.
Experts highlighted technologies such as advanced power flow controllers, dynamic line rating systems, and advanced conductors, which can reduce congestion, increase efficiency, and lower wildfire risks. These tools can be installed within one to three years and, in many cases, on existing infrastructure.
Energy specialists say Utah’s regulatory approach offers a practical model for other states aiming to strengthen grid reliability, improve affordability, and accelerate clean energy integration.
Source: Morningstar
#Grid modernisation#Grid Strategies#GridLab#Pew Charitable Trusts#Rocky Mountain Power#Spencer Cox#transmission#Utah