Transmission Delivery Models are Under Review

Utility Dive reports that completed competitive transmission projects came online faster than comparable incumbent projects in four regions and were about 30% less expensive, based on analysis from the R Street Institute: https://www.utilitydive.com/news/competitive-incumbent-transmission-ferc-pjm-miso-r-street/821071/

The finding challenges a common concern around competitive solicitations: that they may slow down transmission development at a time when grid expansion is already under pressure.

But the takeaway is not simply that competition lowers costs. Transmission development still involves complex planning, permitting, procurement, stakeholder coordination, and regulatory oversight.

For utilities and regulators, the question is becoming more nuanced: how can transmission planning processes deliver infrastructure faster while maintaining cost discipline, reliability, and accountability?

As demand growth, resource integration, and resilience needs continue to accelerate, project delivery models may face increasing scrutiny. Competitive transmission could become a larger part of the conversation around how to build the grid more efficiently without compromising long-term system needs.