Utilities Seek Fast-Track Power Lines | Jefferson City News

Nine major electric utilities are pushing federal regulators to skip competitive bidding for new multi-state power lines, arguing speed is critical to meet soaring energy demands—especially from AI data centers. Forming the Grid Acceleration Coalition, they seek a five-year exemption from Order 1000’s rules, claiming the current process is too slow and stifles progress. Utilities like Ameren and Evergy would get “right of first refusal,” reverting to pre-2011 practices. But state lawmakers warn this could lead to higher costs for consumers, as utilities face no incentive to control expenses without competition. One senator highlighted how transmission costs already strain household budgets, especially for low-income families. Utilities counter that delays are costing them opportunities in the AI-driven energy boom, insisting the urgency outweighs any potential cost savings from competition. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is set to decide this fall—balancing infrastructure speed with affordability. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/06efbb8fcad5d422