Competitive Transmission Development
Investment in new transmission is necessary to maintain reliable power and connect generation facilities to load centers as demand for power increases. As that demand increases, public and private utilities and developers are engaged in at-risk projects through both the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Order 1000 competitive solicitation process and merchant transmission development.
What You Need to Know About New Transmission Development
- Competitive transmission. Order 1000 is a landmark FERC ruling that aims to increase competition in the electric transmission industry. Its key areas of focus include cost allocation, transmission planning and removal of the federal right of first refusal (ROFR). Each planning region has unique challenges, but the ever-changing nature of the North American market remains a constant. We actively monitor developments and work with you to develop strategies for competing and succeeding in this paradigm.
- Merchant transmission. At-risk merchant transmission projects present different challenges in developing a project from concept to revenue-earning asset. These challenges might include identifying suitable locations for renewable generation assets, determining transmission routes and interconnection sites, performing project feasibility and financial studies, and obtaining FERC and/or Independent System Operator/Regional Transmission Organization (ISO/RTO) approval before engaging in detailed design and construction.
The Burns & McDonnell Advantage
We have demonstrated and continue to achieve success in winning competitive transmission windows for our clients. Our industry-leading team includes unique market professionals, with years of successful experience across North America, who are well-versed in the complex strategic economics of winning competitive and merchant transmission.
From project inception through development, routing, siting, permitting and full design, our team offers asset development services with a level of continuity that is unique in the industry. Your projects benefit from an integrated strategic team that knows how to strategically develop winning infrastructure and has the resources to design and construct your project successfully.
Capital Planning Support and Strategic Asset Planning
At-risk projects require robust capital planning and support to identify investment needs and build sound business cases. Our development team works with 1898 & Co. — our business, technology and security solutions consultancy — to provide capital planning support for business justification and decision-making at all levels of your organization.
Competitive and merchant transmission projects are bolstered by strong asset planning that supports your effort to retain competitive market position in the evolving economy. Whether it’s meeting FERC or individual ISO/RTO requirements, our transmission planning experience in executing competitive analysis provides you with insight into optimization of new transmission assets. Our partnership with 1898 & Co. provides strategic asset planning and consulting during the project conception and development phases.
