Adds new subparagraph (11) to GS 62-2(a), declaring the policy of promoting the deployment of advanced conductors and grid enhancing technologies to the public electricity grid in the state. Requires transmission planning to be coordinated with energy planning and fixing of rates to promote the least-cost mix of generation and transmission capital expenditures.
Defines “advance conductors” as conductors with at least 10% lower resistance than aluminum conductor steel reinforced lines, and “grid enhancing technology” as any hardware or software that enhances the performance and efficiency of a grid system, in GS 62-100. Makes organizational changes to the statute.
Amends GS 62-101 (Certificate to construct transmission line) including new subparagraph (c)(2a), which exempts from a certificate the upgrading, modifying, modernizing, or reconstructing of an existing line for the purpose of increasing capacity solely through the deployment of advanced conductors and/or grid enhancing technologies for any of the seven purposes, including increasing transmission capacity or efficiency, increasing reliability or resiliency, or increasing capacity to connect new generation resources.
Creates new subparagraph (a)(3a) in GS 62-102 (Application for certificate), requiring a description of the advanced conductors and/or grid enhancing technologies to be used when applying for a certificate to construct a transmission line, including the costs and benefits, and outlines specific possible benefits such as increasing transmission capacity. Also creates subparagraph (a)(3b), which requires a description of any alternatives to the line, including advanced reconductoring and/or grid enhancing technologies evaluated but not selected for the proposed line.
Amends GS 62-110.9 (Requirements concerning reductions in emissions of carbon dioxide from electric public utilities) requiring a public utility to produce a report showing it evaluated a range of cost-effective transmission and distribution solutions, including advanced reconductoring and/or grid enhancing technologies when preparing its carbon plan. Requires the report to include descriptions of all alternatives considered and the costs and benefits of each, and additional considerations of transmission factored into future scenarios in a 15-year time frame.

Statutes affected:
Filed: 62-2, 62-100, 62-101, 62-102, 62-110.9
Edition 1: 62-2, 62-100, 62-101, 62-102, 62-110.9