The need for the PATH project has been established by conclusions noted in the past four annual RTEP reports citing reliability violations in portions of the Mid-Atlantic region.
The latest PJM analyses, conducted as part of the independent grid operator’s 2010 Regional Transmission Expansion Plan (RTEP), are consistent with previous studies since 2007 identifying PATH as the preferred solution for resolving issues on the region’s transmission grid. Based on the 2010 RTEP findings, PJM is directing that PATH be placed into service by June 1, 2015, at the latest.
Our current transmission infrastructure is aging – most of it was built in the 1950s and 60s. And while electricity demand is down right now, we are slowly emerging from one of the worst economic situations in our lifetimes. Energy efficiencies must be an important part of our future, but we cannot rely on this alone to help solve our electric infrastructure problems. Industrial economic recovery, which will stimulate the job market, will require a stronger, more responsive energy grid. And demand will increase as the economic situation improves. We must plan for the future.
Click here to hear what the experts are saying about the state of our current transmission infrastructure.
During the past 30 years, we have seen an explosion in the use of new technologies
that are utilizing increasing amounts of energy – computers, televisions, cell phones,
home appliances, etc. All of these things have become a way of life for our families
and businesses. Today, many new homes are being built to handle four times the amount
of electricity than they were 30 years ago. Manufacturing and commercial businesses
have also increased their use of technology and electricity to improve productivity.
Our electricity needs are much different now, yet we’re relying on the same grid
system to handle the capacity. If something is not done to relieve stress on the
grid in the next few years, there could be adverse effects to our region, such as
brownouts and blackouts.
To learn more about how the electric grid system works, click the play button below.