The U.S. power grid is under increasing pressure because of aging infrastructure, severe weather events, the rapid growth of data centers and domestic manufacturing, and a lack of adequate transmission capacity that has left urgently needed new electricity generation projects unable to connect to the grid.
To meet the rising demand, the U.S. must increase the grid’s ability to carry more power. But building new high-voltage transmission lines, though an essential part of that effort, takes 10 years, on average. Advanced transmission technologies (ATTs) are hardware and software solutions that help unlock more power on the existing electric grid.
ATTs can be installed on power lines in as little as three months, and, depending on the technology, can boost the amount of electricity that existing infrastructure can carry by as much as 110%. Policymakers across the country are working to accelerate the deployment of ATTs to increase grid capacity, improve reliability, meet rising demand, and reduce costs for consumers.
The resources collected here explore the potential for ATTs to help modernize the grid and reflect The Pew Charitable Trusts’ work to encourage their deployment in states throughout the country.