The PJM Interconnection reviewed the first short list of proposals being considered for the 2024 Regional Transmission Expansion Plan Window 1 during the Nov. 6 meeting of the Transmission Expansion Advisory Committee.
Sami Abdulsalam, Director–Transmission Planning, presented an overview of the major needs targeted by the Regional Transmission Expansion Plan window, which closed Sept. 17, and details of projects being considered to meet them.
The planning window addresses needs driven by accelerated load growth in various areas of the region PJM serves, generator resource mix changes and resulting changes to regional flows. The forecasted load growth is driven in part by data center load additions and the electrification of vehicles as well as building heating systems.
The preliminary short list included options to address the needs in this window focusing on strengthening the transmission paths between the western and eastern regions of PJM in addition to addressing more local transmission needs across the PJM footprint.
PJM Planning staff also walked through the first batch of selected projects, addressing needs in the Atlantic City Electric, BGE, ComEd, Delmarva Power and PECO transmission zones.
Proposals range from simple upgrades to facilities to new extra-high-voltage transmission lines and facilities.
The total cost of the overall solution package will depend on the proposals selected.
94 Proposals Received
In response to the 2024 RTEP Window 1 reliability needs identified by PJM earlier this year, 94 proposals were submitted by 16 entities. Submitted proposals include 48 upgrades to existing facilities and 40 mostly greenfield developments, meaning they involve siting transmission infrastructure where it previously did not exist.
Six additional proposals were submitted as joint portfolios, grouping a number of the individual proposals mentioned above.
PJM initially briefed stakeholders on the submitted proposals at the Oct. 8 TEAC meeting. PJM is targeting approval for chosen projects in the first quarter of 2025.
If a proposal is selected and approved by the PJM Board of Managers, the developer of the project will create a detailed engineering, routing and siting plan; engage local communities in refining its routes; seek approval from state regulatory authorities on the siting of the route and related facilities; and build and maintain the substations and transmission lines included in its proposal.
PJM will hold a special TEAC meeting Nov. 19, where it will provide an update on its evaluation of the proposals.
