Learn how transmission planning delivers reliability

by Mark Viguet  |  info@ruralmissouri.coop

Electricity is something most of us take for granted — until a storm knocks it out. Behind the scenes, however, keeping the power on takes careful planning, strong infrastructure and constant improvements. That’s where Associated Electric Cooperative’s long-range transmission plan comes in.

To deliver power to your local electric cooperative, Associated’s six member-owner generation and transmission cooperatives maintain a massive network of more than 10,000 miles of transmission lines and nearly 1,000 substations. This network acts like our highway system for electricity — moving large amounts of power from where it’s generated to the rural people who need it.

What Is the Long-Range Transmission Plan?

Think of the long-range transmission plan as a detailed road map for the power grid’s future. Every two years, Associated and its member-owners come together to review the current transmission system, examine what’s under construction and forecast what will be needed over the next decade.

This plan looks at how electricity demand might grow, much like how a city might plan for more cars on the road by adding lanes or building new roads. It also accounts for unexpected events such as severe storms or equipment failures — similar to how transportation planners prepare for detours or emergencies on the highway.

The result is a set of recommended upgrades to keep the system reliable and ready for whatever the future brings. These projects are added to construction work plans and help member cooperatives apply for federal loans through the Rural Utilities Service.

Why a Coordinated Plan?

Before 2009, each member cooperative created its own plan, and Associated combined them afterward. While this worked, it didn’t fully capture the big picture. Today, a unified plan covers our entire region.

This approach is like having all the towns in a region work together on one shared road plan instead of making separate ones that don’t connect well. It improves:

• Regional coordination — this is important with neighbors like Southwest Power Pool and Midcontinent Independent System Operator, which are regional transmission organizations that coordinate the movement of power across utilities connected with Associated. 

• Problem-solving across borders — where aging infrastructure or large projects span multiple systems.

• Timing and accuracy — by synchronizing with future energy demand forecasts for up-to-date planning.

Why Are Upgrades Needed?

The power grid is under more pressure than ever. With an aging transmission system, much of which was built between 1940 and 1960, extreme weather events cause record-breaking electricity demand that push the grid to its limits. Meanwhile, more homes, businesses and electric vehicles increase the need for reliable electricity. Several key factors drive the need for upgrades:

• There is a growing demand for infrastructure improvements, driven by population growth and modern electrification needs.

• Grid reliability is a key concern, requiring the system to perform well during peak use, heavy energy transfers and emergency situations.

• Resources are changing as nearby utilities retire coal plants and add new energy sources, including natural gas generation, wind and solar.

What Kinds of Improvements Are Made?

The long-range plan looks at different types of upgrades and evaluates which offer the best mix of performance, reliability and cost — similar to choosing whether to repair, replace or expand a stretch of road.

• New Transmission Lines: These carry electricity over long distances and connect generation sources to the communities that need power. They also create redundant, interconnected paths so that if one line is down, electricity can flow along another route, like adding alternate routes on a road map. This design helps improve reliability and keeps the power on even when problems occur.

• New Transformers: Transformers change the voltage of electricity so it can be transmitted more efficiently. Adding new ones is like expanding a bridge for more traffic.

• Upgrading Existing Infrastructure: This includes installing larger wires, adding a second circuit to a line, or upgrading substation equipment. It’s like repaving and widening roads instead of building new ones from scratch.

• Advanced Technologies: Tools like high-temperature wires and increased grid monitoring offer more options for managing the flow of electricity, especially during peak times — like using smart traffic lights to keep cars moving efficiently.

• Interconnections: Tying into neighboring systems allows for selling or buying power when needed and adds resilience to the overall grid, much like connecting roads between cities improves travel.

Working Together

Associated’s six member-owner cooperatives are instrumental partners in this process. They help identify local needs, suggest improvements 

and ensure the final plan reflects the communities they serve. Importantly, they are responsible for building and maintaining the facilities called for in the plan. This collaboration is essential for creating a system that works for everyone, from urban neighborhoods to rural farms.

Looking Ahead

The long-range transmission plan is more than just a checklist of projects, it’s a vision for a stronger, more reliable grid. With smart planning, modern tools and teamwork, Associated’s member-owners are building a power system that can handle tomorrow’s challenges — no matter how the road twists and turns.

You can learn more about Associated’s transmission grid at www.aeci.org/transmission.