July 24, 2002—Much needed power from new generating capacity could remain trapped in several regions of North America due to a lack of transmission capability, according to a review of infrastructure and new transmission projects by Platts Research and Consulting/RDI.
“Unless transmission reinforcements are built, new generating capacity is likely to be trapped in several regions,” said Doug Logan, principal at Platts Research and Consulting/RDI and a principle investigator of the study.
Areas in which new generation could become trapped include New Hampshire, Maine, southeastern Massachussetts, Rhode Island, southern Louisiana, eastern Texas, Alabama, Washington and Alberta, Canada.
“Theres been a lot of talk about transmission, but real action is scant,” Logan said. “The vast majority of large projects are stalled for a lack of financial commitment.”
The study, “From Source to Sink: The Electric Transmission Infrastructure of North America,” examined data from a variety of sources focusing primarily on transmission constraints and their impact on operations and power markets, transmission service costs and proposed transmission projects. It explains why the profile of future generation development will be key to understanding where new long-haul transmission will be needed most.
Platts is the energy information, research, consulting and marketing services business of The McGraw-Hill Companies.
