Oklahoma lawmakers examined emerging technologies to strengthen the state's electric grid during an interim study at the State Capitol, hearing from utilities, regional power authorities and federal officials.
The study, requested by Rep. Nick Archer and Sen. Casey Murdock, included presentations from Oklahoma's largest electric utilities, the Southwest Power Pool, the U.S. Department of Energy, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association and the Pew Charitable Trusts.
Grid-enhancing technologies (GETs), such as static synchronous compensators that provide voltage support and advanced power-flow control devices that reduce congestion, can help utilities make better use of existing transmission lines, according to Adam Snapp, director of transmission planning for Oklahoma Gas & Electric. The utility has used such technologies since 2007.
"GETs and traditional transmission are not competitors," said Jeffrey Ellis, director of distribution planning for Public Service Company of Oklahoma. "Advanced technologies may increase capability or address particular transmission constraints in the right circumstances, but they do not eliminate situations where rebuilding is necessary."
Richard Ross, director of transmission readiness and seams planning for the Southwest Power Pool, told lawmakers that many long-term transmission solutions involve large transmission lines that take years to bring into service. David Parsons, deputy director of the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Electricity, noted that demand is changing faster than traditional infrastructure processes can accommodate it.
Last session, Archer and Murdock authored House Bill 3183, the GET Over Congestion Act, which would have required utilities to analyze the cost-effectiveness of deploying advanced transmission and grid-enhancing technologies to address congestion.