As renewables replace polluting, carbon-intensive power sources, the reliability of the nation's electricity will be impaired because of the inability of the grid to accommodate power produced from distant sources, according to a new report.
"The North American Electric Reliability Corporation says in a report scheduled for release Monday (11/10) that unless appropriate measures are taken to improve transmission of electricity, rules reducing carbon dioxide emissions by utilities could impair the reliability of the power grid."
Twenty seven states have "set standards specifying that electric utilities generate a certain amount of electricity from renewable sources" known as 'Renewable Portfolio Standards'.
"The North American Electric Reliability Corporation is the industry body authorized by the federal government to enforce reliability rules for the interlocking system of electrical power generation and transmission".
In short, as green energy sources, such as wind and solar, generated from distant sources replace closer, but more polluting sources, such as coal plants 'near load centers', enormous strain is placed on the transmission lines.
"Carbon emission initiatives are the "No. 1 emerging issue" for the grid", claims the group's CEO.
Unless investments are made in transmission lines and other parts of the grid, there will be a decrease in blackouts as renewables provide more electricity, according to the report.
"It appears that greenhouse gas issues and electric utility reliability are on a collision course.", said one industry executive.
FULL STORY: Report Says Sun and Wind Power Could Threaten Nation’s Electrical Grid
How to Make the Texas Electric Grid More Resilient
This year's winter storm and the subsequent damages highlight the urgent need for more resilient energy systems that can outlast increasingly powerful weather events.
How Extreme Heat Threatens the Electrical Grid
Higher demand for electricity and lower capacity for production due to more intense heat waves are straining the power grid and causing concern for future energy production.
Five Key Energy Bills the California Legislature May Decide this Week
Energy stakeholders in California are watching five important bills to see which go forward with three weeks remaining in the legislative season. One would require the state to generate all electricity from renewable sources by 2045.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.
San Antonio and Austin are Fusing Into one Massive Megaregion
The region spanning the two central Texas cities is growing fast, posing challenges for local infrastructure and water supplies.
Since Zion's Shuttles Went Electric “The Smog is Gone”
Visitors to Zion National Park can enjoy the canyon via the nation’s first fully electric park shuttle system.
Trump Distributing DOT Safety Funds at 1/10 Rate of Biden
Funds for Safe Streets and other transportation safety and equity programs are being held up by administrative reviews and conflicts with the Trump administration’s priorities.
German Cities Subsidize Taxis for Women Amid Wave of Violence
Free or low-cost taxi rides can help women navigate cities more safely, but critics say the programs don't address the root causes of violence against women.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie