U.S. FERC considers overhaul to its transmission planning and development rules, a big step in achieving clean energy goals

On July 15, 2021, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) unanimously approved and issued an advance notice of a proposed rulemaking (ANOPR) seeking public comment on reforms to its transmission and interconnection rules for energy projects. While FERC did not announce specific policy changes, this is the first time in over a decade that FERC has begun consideration of high-voltage transmission reform. Restructuring electric transmission planning and interconnection rules could transform the U.S. energy landscape and help the U.S. achieve its clean energy goals.