West Needs Significant Transmission Upgrades by 2035, WestTEC Study S…

10-Year Horizon Report Identifies More than 12,600 Miles of Projects to Respond to Changing Needs of Western Grid

PORTLAND, Ore. – The West needs more than 12,600 miles of high-voltage transmission additions or upgrades to meet the region’s forecasted energy needs by 2035, according to the results of the Western Transmission Expansion Coalition (WestTEC) 10-Year Horizon Study, released today.

The 10-Year Horizon Study took a holistic view of the needs of the West to identify actionable transmissi…

WestTEC 10-Year Study FAQs

Background 

What is WestTEC? 

WestTEC is an unprecedented partnership among diverse sectors of the energy industry, States and Tribes, environmental groups and project developers, that is focused on addressing urgent interregional transmission needs across the Western states. It is facilitated by the Western Power Pool and supported by independent industry consultants.   

Why is this planning process urgently needed? 

Electricity demand in the West is growing rapidly today,…

WestTEC: A New Approach to Transmission Planning in the West

The Western U.S. is facing challenges to its energy infrastructure, including an aging transmission system and the need for reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy solutions. In response, the Western Transmission Expansion Coalition (WestTEC) is leading an industry effort to develop a 10- and 20-year transmission plan for the region by engaging stakeholders and fostering collaboration. WestTEC is committed to transparency and aims to address the region’s future transmission needs through t…