As data centers and other big energy users put more strain on the grid, states are pressing their utilities to find ways to squeeze additional power out of their existing infrastructure without raising costs on customers.
Colorado lawmakers last week passed a bill with bipartisan majorities that will require major utilities to consider advanced transmission technologies as part of their long-range planning documents. That requirement, supporters say, would force utilities to consider how these technologies can improve the state’s ability to share electricity or add new generation and load without building costly new lines.
“Energy bills shouldn’t pinch families’ wallets, and this bill ensures utilities fully explore all cost-effective solutions before families are asked to foot the bill for costly new transmission projects,” state Sen. Dylan Roberts, a Democrat who sponsored the bill, said in a statement.
Ally Sullivan, a spokesperson for Democratic Gov. Jared Polis, said the governor would “review the final version of the bill.” But his office did not commit to signing it.
