The American Public Power Association recently filed comments on the Department of Energy (DOE) draft 2026 National Transmission Needs Study, which -- when finalized -- will inform DOE’s designation of National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors (NIETCs) and DOE’s coordination of federal transmission financing and permitting authorities.
APPA was joined by the Large Public Power Council in submitting the Sept. 8 comments.
Given the significant ways in which this study will be used, APPA and LPPC asked DOE to: (1) state plainly that the study identifies needs rather than solutions; (2) explain what the study’s economic and reliability findings do not establish; and (3) state that the study’s identified needs should be met at the lowest reasonable cost to consumers.
The groups also offered broader considerations on affordability for DOE as it considers its transmission authorities, including (1) supporting infrastructure-neutral permitting reform, (2) expanding opportunities for joint transmission ownership, and (3) addressing supply chain constraints.
