The National Governors Association (NGA) announced it will provide assistance to Maryland, New Jersey, New Mexico, and Rhode Island to modernize their electric power grids, addressing topics such as integrating clean energy and electric vehicle charging networks, electrifying the heating sector, and improving system resilience.
After a competitive application process, NGA will work with governor-designated teams from the four selected states to advance one or more grid modernization objectives proposed by their governors.
“Grid modernization is a complex issue that will require diverse perspectives to combat,” said Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo. “By engaging with a wide array of experts and studying the best practices Rhode Island will be better prepared to build a cleaner, stronger and more cost-efficient energy grid. I look forward to collaborating with the NGA’s policy experts on productive, lasting solutions for Rhode Island.”
The U.S. electric power system is evolving. Renewable energy generation has more than doubled since 2000 and smart meters are now in use by more than half of U.S. energy customers. Electric vehicle adoption is growing, as is the transition to home heating electrification.
Meanwhile grid resilience is being challenged by aging infrastructure, more frequent and intense weather events and increasing physical and cyber threats.
In the face of these changes, governors are looking for solutions to update their state’s infrastructure.The NGA will work with governor-designated teams from the four selected states to advance one or more grid modernization objectives proposed by their governors.
“Modernizing our electric power grid infrastructure is a critical step forward in creating a path toward clean and renewable energy,” said New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. “This partnership will support our broader effort to ensure New Jersey’s clean energy future and create a sustainable environment for future generations.”
NGA’s technical assistance will include policy consultations with NGA staff, in-state retreats and follow-up support. Through the retreats, each state team will develop and move forward on a detailed action plan to advance the grid modernization policy objectives identified in their applications.
These efforts are coordinated through a cooperative agreement between NGA and the U.S. Department of Energy to develop and deploy effective, resilient grid modernization and planning strategies. The Department of Energy is providing financial support, as well as technical expertise and assistance.
“This exciting opportunity from the NGA reinforces that New Mexico is leading the nation in forward-thinking energy policy and modernization,” New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham said. “This initiative will support recent steps forward that we have taken in New Mexico, including a landmark renewable energy law and new electric vehicle framework legislation.”
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This article describes the 1950’s pre-interstate highway system we had before Pres. Eisenhower envisioned and did build our natl highway system. interconnecting roads with heavy traffic and side service roads with less traffc flows.
A national wind transmission blue print designed by Michael Skelly of Clean Line was posed to move forward as a renewable, profitable, privately funded, public electrical transmission , affordable to the public. It would have connected wind plants in natural, geographic wind sectors and transmitted electricity over one national grid.
Basically, you are lauding local energy entities, state govts. as each modernize their own turf.
This model is obsolete and as we are in a climate crisis, please open your understanding to a more viable solution. China has completed a grid highway, India, Argentina all see the urgency to provide consistent, affordable natl grid.
The book “ Superpower” by Russell Gold tells the actual story of Michael Skelly’’s journey through the state and Federal power fifedom mentality and how his vision
was thwarted. His plan is still sound. The “powers that be” lack the insight to recognize what Pres. Eisenhower achieved can be realized with a natl wind highway.
The stakes are that there is only a sliver of time window to reverse the real carnage from CO2.
Tragic abnormal weather conditions are harming and killing us now; we are suffering now.
The states are not the solution. Think beyond 50 states to one naton and think we need to buildone connected conveyor to tramsmit clean wind energy throughout the U.S.