FAQs
Your trusted source for fact-based information about renewable energy.
What is transmission and what are the benefits of it?
What is transmission?
Transmission is the delivery of energy from its place of generation to its place of use. This is done through the use of "transmission lines," more commonly known as "power lines." These lines carry power from generating power plants to substations that alter the voltage and eventually send electricity into our homes and businesses. As we transition toward a more electrified economy, particularly one powered by renewable energy, transmission is becoming increasingly important.
Clean Grid Alliance is deeply engaged in the stakeholder processes at MISO and has spearheaded and participated in many efforts to expand and upgrade transmission in the Midwest to help enable the delivery of clean, affordable, reliable energy. These efforts include the MISO Multi-Value Project Portfolio of 17 transmission lines approved in 2011, the CapX2020 lines, and MISO's Long Range Transmission Planning of 18 transmission lines (Tranche 1), which was approved in July of 2022. CGA also works to make sure the rules for accessing and using transmission lines in MISO are "technology neutral" so that new clean generators have equal access.
What are the top 5 benefits of transmission?
- Transmission helps add renewable energy to the grid
- Transmission reduces bottlenecks on the grid
- Transmission improves the reliability and resiliency of the grid.
- Transmission creates good-paying jobs for Americans
- Transmission boosts the United States' Economy
