transmission

Overview of Virginia's electric regulatory framework; generation construction and supply-side resources; considerations for approval of electricy utility facilities; utility cost recovery for generation; renewable portfolio standard (RPS); energy efficiency and peak-shaving programs; and, integrated resource planning (IRP).

The study evaluates potential locations for integrating multiple wind generation facilities with Dominion Virginia Power's (DVP) transmission system in the South Hampton Roads area. The results indicate that it is possible to interconnect large scale wind generation facilities up to a total installed capability of 4,500 MW with the existing transmission system in the Virginia Beach area. When the actual output approaches 2,700 MW, there are greater probabilities that the output will have to be limited due to transmission constraints unless transmission infrastructure improvement are made. Up to 1,500 MW of generation injection into the Landstown Station would not be expected to create transmission deficiencies.

The study evaluated the impact of wind generation on the New York State Bulk Power System (NYSBPS) over a broad range of subject areas, including planning, operation, economics, and reliability. Based on the results of this study, it is expected that the NYSBPS can reliably accommodate at least 10% of the New York state peak load (3,300 MW) of wind generation with only minor adjustments to its existing planning, operation, and reliability practices. The model included 600 MW from 5 separate offshore wind farms that connected to the Long Island transmission grid.

The report describes the current status of wind generation technology and forecasting, with particular focus on how these elements relate to the interconnection with the regional transmission network and the operation of the bulk power system.

The study offers recommendations for a menu of high-level options that could be pursued to facilitate transmission and link offshore wind resources with the onshore electric grid in Massachusetts.

The plan outlines the action steps the State of Maine should consider implementing in order to achieve energy independence over the next 50 years, and consists of six main components: 1) strengthening energy efficiency, conservation, and weatherization; fostering renewable energy; improving transportation and fuel efficiencies; upgrading electricity and natural gas services and transmission infrastructure; State of Maine Leading by Example; and, energy emergency preparedness and response.

The report assesses power procurement practices across the six New England states, and develops mutually agreeable terms and conditions of a region-wide procurement model for renewable energy resources. It also identifies primary obstacles to regional coordination and offers potential solutions.

The report includes an offshore wind sensitivity scenario that assesses the impact of injecting 5,000 MW (off-peak) and 2,050 MW (on-peak) into the transmission networks of Progress Energy, Duke Energy, and the Southern Company. Overall costs associated with integrating wind into the Jackonsville and New Bern substations ranged from $0.4 billion-$1.2 billion (four options presented).

The report includes an offshore wind sensitivity scenario that assesses the impact of receiving up to 3,000 MW into the service territories of Duke Energy and Progress Energy. Overall costs associated with building high-voltage transmission lines ranged from $0.5 billion-$1.3 billion (four options presented).

Map of proposed Deepwater Block Island Transmission System (BITS) right-of-way (ROW), with RI/MA wind energy area (WEA); federal/state boundary; and, Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) lease blocks.