Xcel Energy and other Midwest utilities are pressing federal regulators and the Trump administration to suspend competitive bidding for certain power line projects — arguing the nation’s appetite for electricity to fuel artificial intelligence depends on it.
The utilities are considering filing a brief with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission asking regulators to suspend a rule that enforces competition for the development of high-voltage lines. Proponents are telling federal officials that ending competitive bidding for transmission projects planned by grid operators in the Midwest and Great Plains is key to getting infrastructure built.
Multiple sources familiar with meetings at FERC and with administration officials said the same companies have also taken their request to the White House’s National Energy Dominance Council — support for the right to build regionally planned power lines in their service areas instead of having to bid for the projects. Other utilities involved are said to include American Transmission Co., ITC Holdings and Ameren.
FERC’s landmark Order 1000 requires competitive bidding for certain regionally planned power lines.
