The continued threats of power outages from storms and prolonged cold snaps have prompted U.S. energy regulators to caution about their potential impact on the electric grid and the economy. Amidst these challenges, the Biden administration has announced $3.5 billion in grants for clean energy projects aimed at combating climate change and promoting renewable energy. However, there are concerns about mounting costs, development challenges, and regulatory obstacles that could hinder progress.

To gain a deeper understanding of the challenges facing the electric grid and the opportunities for investment in energy transmission infrastructure, I spoke with Larry Gasteiger, Executive Director of WIRES, a nonprofit trade association promoting investment in the North American electric transmission system. In our conversation, we discussed the importance of addressing regulatory roadblocks to ensure the success of clean energy projects and the resilience of the electric grid.

The discussion highlights how investing in energy transmission infrastructure can support efforts to electrify the economy and enhance grid resilience. It also emphasizes the need to overcome regulatory obstacles that may hinder progress towards a more sustainable and resilient energy system.

Through this episode of Accelerating Energy, we gain valuable perspectives on current state of the electric grid and potential solutions to address challenges facing clean energy initiatives. It serves as an introduction to issues surrounding energy transmission and highlights opportunities for investment in this critical infrastructure component.