Transmission Plans
State-level transmission plans assess, identify, and integrate the need for expanded transmission capacity to meet forecasted electricity demand, achieve state policy objectives such as GHG emissions reduction and clean energy goals, and improve grid efficiency and reliability. The best plans identify transmission needs and how to fill those gaps, including through the construction of new transmission lines, improvements to existing transmission lines, and connection to broader regional or interregional transmission planning or organized electricity markets.
State-level plans are often produced by a state transmission authority or energy office and may be required by legislation. Utility-level transmission plans can either be standalone plans or, in states where integrated resource plans (IRPs) must be filed, states may require the consideration of transmission in utility IRPs.
Strong planning policies require consideration of multiple future scenarios over long-term planning timelines, often 20 years, and use the best available data. Plans should also factor in decarbonization and electrification policies, policies affecting resource mix and demand, integrated resource plans, anticipated resource retirements, and other economic trends and policies that affect long-term transmission needs. Strong plans also support the replacement, reconductoring, or right-sizing of existing lines to meet both current and future needs. Best practices entail evaluating transmission projects based on specific metrics and benefits, including capital costs, economic and reliability benefits, savings from increased efficiency, reduced congestion, and siting in existing rights-of-way.
State and utility plans can complement or feed into regional and interregional planning processes as well. States can analyze regional or interregional studies and apply a state-specific perspective, including prioritizing projects and serving as a bridge between regional/interregional planning and local priorities. Regional and interregional plans – whether driven by FERC Order 1920 or otherwise – can then take states’ policy objectives and transmission planning into account. For instance, Order 1920 requires transmission providers to incorporate state laws directly into their planning scenarios, consult with states on how those laws shape long-term needs, and evaluate projects using a standardized multi-benefit methodology.
Key Resources
State Policies to Advance Transmission: Planning
Better Together: The Benefits of Coordination in the Development of Transmission and Distributed Energy Resources
State Policies to Advance Transmission Modernization and Expansion
Electric Transmission Planning: A Primer for State Legislatures
Model States
Colorado
The Colorado Electric Transmission Authority's 2024 Transmission Capacity Expansion Study analyzes the need for expanded transmission capacity in Colorado to meet forecasted electricity demand, achieve GHG emissions reduction goals, and improve grid efficiency and reliability. The study identifies transmission needs and how to fill those gaps, including through the construction of new transmission lines, improvements to existing transmission lines, and connections to organized wholesale electricity markets.
Regulated utilities must also submit biennial 10-year transmission plans to the Colorado Public Utilities Commission.
New Mexico
The New Mexico Renewable Energy Transmission and Storage Study and Study Update assess the technical and economic potential for renewable resources in New Mexico through 2032 and analyzes transmission development needs and benefits to support expanded renewable buildout under different development scenarios.
New York
Required by the Accelerated Renewable Energy Growth and Community Benefit Act, the New York Power Grid Study is a three-part study that identifies distribution upgrades, local transmission upgrades, and bulk transmission investments needed to meet the state's GHG emissions reduction and renewable energy targets set under the CLCPA.
The Coordinated Grid Planning Process (CGPP) is a long-term system planning process for regulated utilities and the Long Island Power Authority to develop a report with recommended transmission system investments that support the CLCPA's goals for the PSC’s consideration every three years.
Washington
The Department of Commerce must identify high priority transmission corridors over 10- and 20-year planning periods by October 30, 2027. The Washington Electric Transmission Authority must update that transmission corridor identification study by October 30, 2032 and every 5 years after that.
Electric utilities with more than 25,000 customers must develop an integrated resource plan that includes an assessment and 20-year forecast of regional generation and transmission capacity and identify their expected needs to develop new, or upgrade existing, transmission facilities.
Transmission Plans By State
| Status | State Sort descending | Region | Components | Year Enacted | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Not Enacted |
Empty column
Transmission plans identify transmission needs and gaps to reliably meet forecasted electricity demand, achieve state policy objectives such as climate and clean energy goals, and improve grid efficiency and performance. Plans can be developed by the state or required at the utility-level. Empty column
|
Southeast | |||
| Not Enacted |
Empty column
Transmission plans identify transmission needs and gaps to reliably meet forecasted electricity demand, achieve state policy objectives such as climate and clean energy goals, and improve grid efficiency and performance. Plans can be developed by the state or required at the utility-level. Empty column
|
West | |||
| Not Enacted |
Empty column
Transmission plans identify transmission needs and gaps to reliably meet forecasted electricity demand, achieve state policy objectives such as climate and clean energy goals, and improve grid efficiency and performance. Plans can be developed by the state or required at the utility-level. Empty column
|
Southwest | |||
| Not Enacted |
Empty column
Transmission plans identify transmission needs and gaps to reliably meet forecasted electricity demand, achieve state policy objectives such as climate and clean energy goals, and improve grid efficiency and performance. Plans can be developed by the state or required at the utility-level. Empty column
|
Southeast | |||
| Not Enacted |
Empty column
Transmission plans identify transmission needs and gaps to reliably meet forecasted electricity demand, achieve state policy objectives such as climate and clean energy goals, and improve grid efficiency and performance. Plans can be developed by the state or required at the utility-level. Empty column
|
West | |||
| Enacted |
Empty column
The Colorado Electric Transmission Authority's 2024 Transmission Capacity Expansion Study analyzes the need for expanded transmission capacity in Colorado to meet forecasted electricity demand, achieve GHG emissions reduction goals, and improve grid efficiency and reliability. The study identifies transmission needs and how to fill those gaps, including through the construction of new transmission lines, improvements to existing transmission lines, and connections to organized wholesale electricity markets. Regulated utilities must also submit biennial 10-year transmission plans to the Colorado Public Utilities Commission. Establishing Policies
Empty column
|
West | 2024 | ||
| Not Enacted |
Empty column
Transmission plans identify transmission needs and gaps to reliably meet forecasted electricity demand, achieve state policy objectives such as climate and clean energy goals, and improve grid efficiency and performance. Plans can be developed by the state or required at the utility-level. Empty column
|
Northeast | |||
| Not Enacted |
Empty column
Transmission plans identify transmission needs and gaps to reliably meet forecasted electricity demand, achieve state policy objectives such as climate and clean energy goals, and improve grid efficiency and performance. Plans can be developed by the state or required at the utility-level. Empty column
|
Southeast | |||
| Not Enacted |
Empty column
Transmission plans identify transmission needs and gaps to reliably meet forecasted electricity demand, achieve state policy objectives such as climate and clean energy goals, and improve grid efficiency and performance. Plans can be developed by the state or required at the utility-level. Empty column
|
Southeast | |||
| Not Enacted |
Empty column
Transmission plans identify transmission needs and gaps to reliably meet forecasted electricity demand, achieve state policy objectives such as climate and clean energy goals, and improve grid efficiency and performance. Plans can be developed by the state or required at the utility-level. Empty column
|
Southeast | |||
| Not Enacted |
Empty column
Transmission plans identify transmission needs and gaps to reliably meet forecasted electricity demand, achieve state policy objectives such as climate and clean energy goals, and improve grid efficiency and performance. Plans can be developed by the state or required at the utility-level. Empty column
|
West | |||
| Not Enacted |
Empty column
Transmission plans identify transmission needs and gaps to reliably meet forecasted electricity demand, achieve state policy objectives such as climate and clean energy goals, and improve grid efficiency and performance. Plans can be developed by the state or required at the utility-level. Empty column
|
West | |||
| In-Progress |
Empty column
While not a transmission plan itself, the 2024 Renewable Energy Access Plan (REAP) includes a review of existing transmission planning processes that impact renewable deployment, with recommended reforms, as well as a review of the existing and needed transmission infrastructure to reliably and affordably meet the renewable energy and decarbonization goals established under the Clean and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA). The 2025 Draft REAP developed an Integrated Planning Framework (IPF) that allows the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) to identify generation and transmission needs to achieve CEJA's policy targets, and informs how the state can engage in regional transmission planning processes to meet these needs. The Clean and Reliable Grid Act (CRGA) requires updated REAPs to "considers electric transmission projects, transmission policies, transmission alternatives, advanced transmission technologies, other ways to expand capacity on existing or future transmission, and transmission headroom." REAPs must also include an evaluation of identified and proposed transmission projects and develop a recommended list of transmission and advanced transmission technology projects that achieve the clean energy goals under CEJA and CRGA. Establishing Policies
Empty column
|
Midwest | |||
| Not Enacted |
Empty column
Transmission plans identify transmission needs and gaps to reliably meet forecasted electricity demand, achieve state policy objectives such as climate and clean energy goals, and improve grid efficiency and performance. Plans can be developed by the state or required at the utility-level. Empty column
|
Midwest | |||
| Not Enacted |
Empty column
Transmission plans identify transmission needs and gaps to reliably meet forecasted electricity demand, achieve state policy objectives such as climate and clean energy goals, and improve grid efficiency and performance. Plans can be developed by the state or required at the utility-level. Empty column
|
Midwest | |||
| Not Enacted |
Empty column
Transmission plans identify transmission needs and gaps to reliably meet forecasted electricity demand, achieve state policy objectives such as climate and clean energy goals, and improve grid efficiency and performance. Plans can be developed by the state or required at the utility-level. Empty column
|
Midwest | |||
| Not Enacted |
Empty column
Transmission plans identify transmission needs and gaps to reliably meet forecasted electricity demand, achieve state policy objectives such as climate and clean energy goals, and improve grid efficiency and performance. Plans can be developed by the state or required at the utility-level. Empty column
|
Southeast | |||
| Not Enacted |
Empty column
Transmission plans identify transmission needs and gaps to reliably meet forecasted electricity demand, achieve state policy objectives such as climate and clean energy goals, and improve grid efficiency and performance. Plans can be developed by the state or required at the utility-level. Empty column
|
Southeast | |||
| In-Progress |
Empty column
The Maine Department of Energy Resources (DOER) is conducting a transmission study to better understand the state's current transmission landscape and processes, as well as best practices and future transmission needs. The Maine Transmission Infrastructure Study has an anticipated completion date in Fall 2026. Establishing Policies
Empty column
|
Northeast | |||
| Not Enacted |
Empty column
Transmission plans identify transmission needs and gaps to reliably meet forecasted electricity demand, achieve state policy objectives such as climate and clean energy goals, and improve grid efficiency and performance. Plans can be developed by the state or required at the utility-level. Empty column
|
Southeast | |||
| Not Enacted |
Empty column
Transmission plans identify transmission needs and gaps to reliably meet forecasted electricity demand, achieve state policy objectives such as climate and clean energy goals, and improve grid efficiency and performance. Plans can be developed by the state or required at the utility-level. Empty column
|
Northeast | |||
| Enacted |
Empty column
Regulated utilities are required to file IRPs with five-, ten-, and fifteen-year projections of their load obligations and their plans to meet those obligations, including an analysis of new or upgraded transmission options. Establishing Policies
Empty column
|
Midwest | 2016 | ||
| Not Enacted |
Empty column
Transmission plans identify transmission needs and gaps to reliably meet forecasted electricity demand, achieve state policy objectives such as climate and clean energy goals, and improve grid efficiency and performance. Plans can be developed by the state or required at the utility-level. Empty column
|
Midwest | |||
| Not Enacted |
Empty column
Transmission plans identify transmission needs and gaps to reliably meet forecasted electricity demand, achieve state policy objectives such as climate and clean energy goals, and improve grid efficiency and performance. Plans can be developed by the state or required at the utility-level. Empty column
|
Southeast | |||
| Not Enacted |
Empty column
Transmission plans identify transmission needs and gaps to reliably meet forecasted electricity demand, achieve state policy objectives such as climate and clean energy goals, and improve grid efficiency and performance. Plans can be developed by the state or required at the utility-level. Empty column
|
Midwest | |||
| Not Enacted |
Empty column
Transmission plans identify transmission needs and gaps to reliably meet forecasted electricity demand, achieve state policy objectives such as climate and clean energy goals, and improve grid efficiency and performance. Plans can be developed by the state or required at the utility-level. Empty column
|
West | |||
| Not Enacted |
Empty column
Transmission plans identify transmission needs and gaps to reliably meet forecasted electricity demand, achieve state policy objectives such as climate and clean energy goals, and improve grid efficiency and performance. Plans can be developed by the state or required at the utility-level. Empty column
|
Midwest | |||
| Enacted |
Empty column
Utilities were required to amend their 2021 IRPs to include a "transmission infrastructure for a clean energy economy plan" to promote the construction of two high-voltage transmission infrastructure projects to be placed in service by December 31, 2028: one project to increase the transmission capacity of the northern Nevada region by 800 MW; the other to access a federally designated renewable energy transmission corridor in southern Nevada. Establishing Policies
Empty column
|
West | 2021 | ||
| Not Enacted |
Empty column
Transmission plans identify transmission needs and gaps to reliably meet forecasted electricity demand, achieve state policy objectives such as climate and clean energy goals, and improve grid efficiency and performance. Plans can be developed by the state or required at the utility-level. Empty column
|
Northeast | |||
| Not Enacted |
Empty column
Transmission plans identify transmission needs and gaps to reliably meet forecasted electricity demand, achieve state policy objectives such as climate and clean energy goals, and improve grid efficiency and performance. Plans can be developed by the state or required at the utility-level. Empty column
|
Northeast | |||
| Enacted |
Empty column
The New Mexico Renewable Energy Transmission and Storage Study and Study Update assess the technical and economic potential for renewable resources in New Mexico through 2032 and analyzes transmission development needs and benefits to support expanded renewable buildout under different development scenarios. Establishing Policies
Empty column
|
Southwest | 2022 | ||
| Enacted |
Empty column
Required by the Accelerated Renewable Energy Growth and Community Benefit Act, the New York Power Grid Study is a three-part study that identifies distribution upgrades, local transmission upgrades, and bulk transmission investments needed to meet the state's GHG emissions reduction and renewable energy targets set under the CLCPA. The Coordinated Grid Planning Process (CGPP) is a long-term system planning process for regulated utilities and the Long Island Power Authority to develop a report with recommended transmission system investments that support the CLCPA's goals for the PSC’s consideration every three years. Establishing Policies
Empty column
|
Northeast | 2023 | ||
| Not Enacted |
Empty column
Transmission plans identify transmission needs and gaps to reliably meet forecasted electricity demand, achieve state policy objectives such as climate and clean energy goals, and improve grid efficiency and performance. Plans can be developed by the state or required at the utility-level. Empty column
|
Southeast | |||
| Not Enacted |
Empty column
Transmission plans identify transmission needs and gaps to reliably meet forecasted electricity demand, achieve state policy objectives such as climate and clean energy goals, and improve grid efficiency and performance. Plans can be developed by the state or required at the utility-level. Empty column
|
Midwest | |||
| Not Enacted |
Empty column
Transmission plans identify transmission needs and gaps to reliably meet forecasted electricity demand, achieve state policy objectives such as climate and clean energy goals, and improve grid efficiency and performance. Plans can be developed by the state or required at the utility-level. Empty column
|
Midwest | |||
| Not Enacted |
Empty column
Transmission plans identify transmission needs and gaps to reliably meet forecasted electricity demand, achieve state policy objectives such as climate and clean energy goals, and improve grid efficiency and performance. Plans can be developed by the state or required at the utility-level. Empty column
|
Southwest | |||
| Not Enacted |
Empty column
Transmission plans identify transmission needs and gaps to reliably meet forecasted electricity demand, achieve state policy objectives such as climate and clean energy goals, and improve grid efficiency and performance. Plans can be developed by the state or required at the utility-level. Empty column
|
West | |||
| Not Enacted |
Empty column
Transmission plans identify transmission needs and gaps to reliably meet forecasted electricity demand, achieve state policy objectives such as climate and clean energy goals, and improve grid efficiency and performance. Plans can be developed by the state or required at the utility-level. Empty column
|
Northeast | |||
| Not Enacted |
Empty column
Transmission plans identify transmission needs and gaps to reliably meet forecasted electricity demand, achieve state policy objectives such as climate and clean energy goals, and improve grid efficiency and performance. Plans can be developed by the state or required at the utility-level. Empty column
|
Northeast | |||
| Not Enacted |
Empty column
Transmission plans identify transmission needs and gaps to reliably meet forecasted electricity demand, achieve state policy objectives such as climate and clean energy goals, and improve grid efficiency and performance. Plans can be developed by the state or required at the utility-level. Empty column
|
Southeast | |||
| Not Enacted |
Empty column
Transmission plans identify transmission needs and gaps to reliably meet forecasted electricity demand, achieve state policy objectives such as climate and clean energy goals, and improve grid efficiency and performance. Plans can be developed by the state or required at the utility-level. Empty column
|
Midwest | |||
| Not Enacted |
Empty column
Transmission plans identify transmission needs and gaps to reliably meet forecasted electricity demand, achieve state policy objectives such as climate and clean energy goals, and improve grid efficiency and performance. Plans can be developed by the state or required at the utility-level. Empty column
|
Southeast | |||
| Not Enacted |
Empty column
Transmission plans identify transmission needs and gaps to reliably meet forecasted electricity demand, achieve state policy objectives such as climate and clean energy goals, and improve grid efficiency and performance. Plans can be developed by the state or required at the utility-level. Empty column
|
Southwest | |||
| Not Enacted |
Empty column
Transmission plans identify transmission needs and gaps to reliably meet forecasted electricity demand, achieve state policy objectives such as climate and clean energy goals, and improve grid efficiency and performance. Plans can be developed by the state or required at the utility-level. Empty column
|
West | |||
| Not Enacted |
Empty column
Transmission plans identify transmission needs and gaps to reliably meet forecasted electricity demand, achieve state policy objectives such as climate and clean energy goals, and improve grid efficiency and performance. Plans can be developed by the state or required at the utility-level. Empty column
|
Northeast | |||
| Not Enacted |
Empty column
Transmission plans identify transmission needs and gaps to reliably meet forecasted electricity demand, achieve state policy objectives such as climate and clean energy goals, and improve grid efficiency and performance. Plans can be developed by the state or required at the utility-level. Empty column
|
Southeast | |||
| In-Progress |
Empty column
The Department of Commerce must identify high priority transmission corridors over 10- and 20-year planning periods by October 30, 2027. The Washington Electric Transmission Authority must update that transmission corridor identification study by October 30, 2032 and every 5 years after that. Electric utilities with more than 25,000 customers must develop an integrated resource plan that includes an assessment and 20-year forecast of regional generation and transmission capacity and identify their expected needs to develop new, or upgrade existing, transmission facilities. Establishing Policies
Empty column
|
West | |||
| Not Enacted |
Empty column
Transmission plans identify transmission needs and gaps to reliably meet forecasted electricity demand, achieve state policy objectives such as climate and clean energy goals, and improve grid efficiency and performance. Plans can be developed by the state or required at the utility-level. Empty column
|
Southeast | |||
| Not Enacted |
Empty column
Transmission plans identify transmission needs and gaps to reliably meet forecasted electricity demand, achieve state policy objectives such as climate and clean energy goals, and improve grid efficiency and performance. Plans can be developed by the state or required at the utility-level. Empty column
|
Midwest | |||
| In-Progress |
Empty column
The Wyoming Energy Authority must develop a transmission planning study that examines impacts to the state's current transmission system under three load growth scenarios from 2026 to 2046. The plan is due by November 1, 2027. A second phase of the plan, due September 1, 2028, will examine public utility participation regional transmission organizations, independent system operators, and real-time and extended day ahead markets. Establishing Policies
Empty column
|
West |