Midwest Utilities Seek Reduced Competition for Powerline Development
Midwest electric transmission utilities are advocating for reduced competition in building powerlines to meet rising energy demands. A proposal submitted to FERC aims to grant them first refusal rights for multi-state projects, potentially impacting consumer costs.
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A coalition of nine electric transmission utilities, including Ameren and Evergy, is petitioning the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for the right of first refusal to construct new multi-state powerlines. This request, filed in April, seeks to exempt certain projects from competitive bidding or delay the process for five years.
The utilities argue that the current bidding process delays essential infrastructure upgrades needed to support increasing electricity demand, particularly from AI data centers. However, state lawmakers from Missouri, Iowa, Montana, Wisconsin, and Kansas are opposing this move, expressing concerns that it would lead to higher project costs for consumers. The FERC is expected to make a ruling on the request in the fall, with potential implications for energy pricing and infrastructure development in the region.
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