WASHINGTON, D.C. –  The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced an investment of $1.5 billion in four transmission projects being developed by American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) members. These projects will enable nearly 1,000 miles of new transmission development throughout Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas, and create approximately 9,000 good-paying jobs. Today, DOE also released the final National Transmission Planning Study, which finds the U.S. must significantly expand its transmission system to meet America’s demand growth and reliability needs.

Following is a statement from ACORE President and CEO Ray Long:

“The research is clear – strengthening our nation’s transmission system is vital to accelerating America’s clean energy transition and cost-effectively ensuring a reliable electric grid. The National Transmission Planning Study demonstrates how a substantial expansion of America’s transmission system that aligns with the vision of ACORE’s Macro Grid Initiative would save taxpayers $270-$490 billion by mid-century. This means that for every dollar spent on transmission, we could save $1.60-$1.80 in system costs. Upgrading the grid is a no-brainer, but to realize these sizeable benefits, America must reform its burdensome permitting process to ensure these critical transmission lines can be built in a timely manner.

“We commend the Department of Energy for today’s investment in four transmission projects that will create thousands of good-paying jobs and enable more affordable clean energy to power America’s homes and businesses. These investments will more than pay for themselves in benefits, and we congratulate the ACORE members behind each of these impressive projects.”

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About ACORE:
For over 20 years, the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) has been the nation’s leading voice on the issues most essential to renewable energy expansion. ACORE unites finance, policy, and technology to accelerate the transition to a renewable energy economy. For more information, please visit www.acore.org.

Media Contacts:
Alex Hobson
Sr. Vice President, Communications
American Council on Renewable Energy
hobson@acore.org | 202.830.3592 (o) | 202.594.0706 (c)

Dylan Helms
Associate, Communications
American Council on Renewable Energy
helms@acore.org | 202.935.6491 (o) | 727.290.8804 (c)

The post ACORE Applauds DOE’s Transmission Investment and Analysis appeared first on ACORE.

https://acore.org/news/acore-applauds-does-transmission-investment-and-analysis/