Wind developers/generators

• When will the transmission be built?
  
  • This study recognizes the critical role transmission infrastructure plays in the interconnection and delivery of generation resources. Ensuring that the overall system is efficient and capable of interconnecting wind and other resources is a critical consideration and one that must be analyzed at a regional level. This study will be conducted over the next several months to determine possible and recommended technical solutions and economic benefits for extra-high voltage transmission development within the region.
  • The plan's outcome, in combination with other studies currently being performed by MISO and PJM, will be used as input to the regional transmission planning processes and will result in transmission projects being identified.
  • Ultimately, Regional Transmission Organizations will make the final decision regarding the scope and timing of transmission projects.
  
  
• How can others participate in this study?
  This study is designed to provide a high level of stakeholder input. Throughout the six-month study process, there will be open meetings where interested stakeholders can participate and provide input.
  
  
• How do I participate in the process?
  Meeting notices, study assumptions, milestones, deliverables and other pertinent information will be posted on this Web site. In addition, open meetings will be held with interested stakeholders.
  
  
• What geographic areas will the study cover?
  The study will primarily focus on areas within North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska and Wisconsin. Stakeholder input may affect the exact areas that will be incorporated.
  
  
• What is the objective of the study, and what will the outcome be?
  
  • The study's objective is to develop a master plan that ensures reliable, environmentally friendly service for sponsors’ communities that supports national energy policy.
  • The study will produce a reliability analysis and recommendation for technically sound solutions for integration of extra-high voltage transmission into the existing transmission system.
  • The study also will provide an economic analysis of solutions identified in the technical analysis – indicating benefits of extra-high voltage transmission to regions.
  
  
• Will there be phone/Web capabilities at planning meetings?
  Stakeholders will be able to comment or provide input to the study. Information on how to do this will be provided at meetings. Quanta will schedule meetings at appropriate intervals during the study timeline to update and seek input from interested stakeholders.
  
  
• How do I make sure this will take my project into account?
  
  • The study will take into consideration those projects already announced or included in RTO queues, expansion plans and other related studies that have been done.
  • Participants who have projects that are not included above will have an opportunity through the open stakeholder process to provide information into the study process.
  
  
• What is the timeline for the study, and how will the public learn the results?
  The study will be completed in May 2010. Study results will be posted on our documents page.
  
  
• Does this study include feeder systems to collect wind from wind farms and connect to the larger extra-high voltage line?
  No. This study will focus on the extra-high voltage lines needed to move large volumes of power with the least line loss possible. Collector systems typically are less than 230 kV. Local utilities will likely build out those collector lines to connect to the extra-high voltage line.
  
  

General Public

• When will transmission lines be built?
  
  • The study will take into consideration projects already announced or included in RTO queues, expansion plans and other related studies that have been done.
  • The plan's outcome, in combination with other studies currently being performed by MISO and PJM, will be used as input to the regional transmission planning processes and result in transmission projects being identified.
  • Ultimately, Regional Transmission Organizations will make the final decision regarding the scope and timing of transmission projects.
  
  
• Where will the lines be located?
  
  • This study will define the needed technical configuration and economic transmission plans. While the plan will identify generally how the proposed transmission should interconnect with the existing system, it will not specifically identify or study siting or line routing. General routes identified in the plans will be used for the purpose of estimating project costs and to best align with the existing system.
  • The Regional Transmission Organizations will determine whether projects are included in regional plans.
  • If approved, each project will receive necessary approvals and will require fulfillment of sitting and routing regulatory processes at state and federal levels.
  
  
• What does extra-high voltage transmission look like?
  Project sponsors believe extra-high voltage transmission, such as a 345, 500 or 765-systems, can bring significant benefits to the region. Visit www.electrictransmissionamerica.com for additional information about 765-kV lines.
  
  
• How big are the towers?
  The planning study will not address tower design, routing siting applications, voltage or configuration. Extra-high voltage lines have the capability of providing significantly longer-term benefits to large geographic areas with minimal use of right of way. For example, 765-kV towers are approximately 130 feet tall and occupy a 200-foot right of way. A single-circuit 765-kV line can carry as much power as six single-circuit 345-kV lines or three double-circuit 345-kV lines (a range of 450-900 feet wide right of way). Visit www.electrictransmissionamerica.com for additional information about 765-kV lines.
  
  
• How is this different than Green Power Express?
  
  • This study is not related to the Green Power Express project. This study is a collaborative plan with direct involvement by a group of industry leaders that have local and technical knowledge of system needs. The group believes that extra-high voltage transmission will bring significant benefits to the region if planned and correctly effectuated.
  • Sponsors are utilities in the study region with retail service territories that cover large areas in both the PJM and MISO footprints.
  • The study will analyze the connection of renewable energy and the impact of an overlay system on existing utilities’ current transmission facilities.
  
  
• What will the project cost?
  It is premature to give a cost estimate since the study has yet to be performed. Once the study is complete, the cost estimate will depend on the mileage and number of substations associated with the recommended plan. An estimate will be provided in the final report.
  
  
• Who pays for the project or lines?
  
  • Cost allocation is being discussed at the regional and federal levels; it is not within the study's scope.
  • The study will provide a technically and economically sound plan that will provide wide regional benefits.
  
  
• Why was Quanta hired to do the study?
  Quanta has wide experience in utility planning and has recently completed a comprehensive extra-high voltage overlay study in the Southwest Power Pool regions in Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Missouri and Arkansas.
  
  

Utilities

• How is this different than the Regional Generator Outlet study work done by the Midwest Independent System Operator and others?
  
  • Not all sponsors of the study are Midwest Independent System Operator members. This study takes into account impacts and needs beyond MISO.
  • Study sponsors are industry leaders focused on a possible extra-high voltage transmission overlay solution that can be incorporated in current and future MISO and PJM studies.
  • Quanta will provide an unbiased, independent and optimal recommended plan.
  
  
• Will this be only a 765-kV study, or will other voltages be considered?
  All appropriate transmission voltage levels will be considered.
  
  
• Why wasn’t I invited to be a sponsor?
  A targeted group of industry leaders have committed to fund the study. Input from affected stakeholders and utilities is desired and can be submitted to info@smartstudy.biz.
  
  
• Are study sponsors the anticipated transmission owners of extra-high voltage lines in the area?
  Project ownership will likely be determined at a later point in time if the plan results in one or more viable projects. Sponsors, along with others, may have an interest in ownership in such projects.
  
  
• Can I be a sponsor?
  Given the critical need to begin to evaluate the extra-high voltage needs in this region of the country, project sponsors have launched this initiative through a collaborative effort. Individual participation by transmission owners and other stakeholders can be secured through the stakeholder process. Input from other stakeholders and utilities are welcome throughout the study process.
  
  
• What does being a sponsor mean?
  The sponsors have agreed to:
  
  • Financially support the study.
  • Provide input to the study along with other stakeholders.
  • Meet with regulators and interested stakeholders.
  • Provide resources needed to assist Quanta in performing the study.
  
  
• How detailed will this study be?
  The study will recommend one or more high-value technical and economic transmission plans that will include:
  
  • A proposed electrical configuration (i.e., estimated line miles and substations), and
  • Appropriate on-ramps for renewable generation and off-ramps for load centers.
  
  
• Why should I participate in this study?
  To ensure:
  
  • the plan has the most recent, comprehensive and accurate input;
  • interested stakeholder interests are considered; and
  • local/regional system needs are considered as the plan is developed.
  
  
• What happens if I don’t participate in this study?
  To the extent information is available through Regional Transmission Organizations or other sources, systems will be identified, and their needs will be considered. To ensure the most accurate and up-to-date inputs are incorporated in the assumptions for the study, broad participation is encouraged.
  
  

Politicians/Regulators

• Will this study address cost allocation?
  
  • No. This study will recommend the best technical configuration and will provide an estimate of associated economic benefits for the region.
  • Cost allocation is being discussed at the regional and federal levels; it is not within the study's scope.
  
  
• How is the SMARTransmission study different than the Upper Midwest Transmission Development Initiative and other studies, including state-initiated studies to evaluate the impact of wind?
  
  • Sponsors of the UMTDI are the governors of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota and South Dakota. They are focused on meeting the renewable energy standards and goals in those states.
  • The SMARTransmission study is focused on an expanded regional area that includes the UMTDI region.
  • Sponsors of the SMARTransmission study are industry leaders focused on a possible extra-high voltage transmission overlay solution that can be incorporated in current and future MISO and PJM studies and integrated with existing studies.
  • Quanta will work with stakeholders and sponsors to assess a range of features and extra-high voltage transmission alternatives that could reliably and economically meet needs within those ranges.
  
  
• Will this study result in a FERC filing? If so, when?
  
  • The SMARTransmission study will recommend technical configurations designed to provide renewable power and meet mandatory NERC reliability standards. An estimate of associated economic benefits for the region of implementing that transmission system will be provided.
  • Project ownership will likely be determined at a later point if the plan results in one or more viable projects. Project developers could pursue regulatory filings, including a possible FERC filing.
  
  
• How much will this study cost?
  The cost of the SMARTransmission study is being shared by the sponsors. Affected stakeholders who participate in the study will do so at no cost beyond their own costs to attend meetings and provide input.
  
  
• Will the SMARTransmission study focus on economic or reliability factors?
  SMARTransmission is divided into two phases. The first phase will consider reliability factors and recommend a possible technical configuration for extra-high voltage transmission for the region incorporating sponsor and stakeholder input. Based on this recommendation, a second phase – an economic study outlining the anticipated benefits of the proposed plan to the region – will be conducted.
  
  
• What benefits will be considered by the study?
  The SMARTranmission study will evaluate benefits typically seen from the development of extra-high voltage transmission lines including, but not limited to:
  
  • Savings in transmission line losses;
  • Reducing transmission congestion;
  • Reliability improvements;
  • Generation production cost savings;
  • Public policy benefits of integrating renewable energy; and
  • Local area economic development benefits.
  
  
• Will you be working with the Regional Transmission Organizations? Does the SMARTransmission study benefit or complement the current Regional Transmission Organizations initiatives?
  
  • The study will focus on the benefits extra-high voltage transmission can bring to the region, including a quantitative estimate of these benefits on at the state level.
  • The study will use information from studies done by the Regional Transmission Organizations. At its conclusion, the study will serve as input into the Regional Transmission Organizations plans.
  • The plan will provide support and resources to the Regional Transmission Organizations plans.
  • The study will provide an independent analysis to support Regional Transmission Organizations initiatives.
  • Many of the sponsors are members of the Regional Transmission Organizations and have a vested interest in ensuring the best technical and economic plan is implemented and includes utility involvement.
  • The study will solicit input from all interested parties, review all existing ideas and, therefore, will complement existing practical initiatives.
  
  
• What will be the role of states in this study?
  
  • States will be invited to participate as stakeholders in the SMARTransmission study.
  • State policy objectives, such as Renewable Portfolio Standards, will be included as assumptions of the study.
  • Transmission expansion plans within each state will be considered.
  
  
• Why another study?
  The SMARTransmission is designed to move discussion and debate forward. It covers a different geographic area and looks across the seams of three Regional Transmission Organizations – SPP, MISO and PJM – so it will be able to consider some of the questions left unanswered in previous studies. Given the magnitude of the change in policy and the magnitude of the expense, it is worthwhile to have several studies addressing similar issues from various perspectives.
  
  
• Why this group?
  Sponsors saw a need, due to the geography of their systems, expertise in transmission operations and concentration of renewable resources in their footprints. Combined, the sponsors have a unique perspective on the needs of this portion of the U.S. electric system.
  
  

Analysts

• What is the relationship between the study participants and those who will build and own.
  
  • Project ownership will likely be determined at a later point in time if the plan results in one or more viable projects.
  • The sponsors, along with others, may have an interest in ownership in such projects.
  • No projects will be built without appropriate state and federal approvals and routing and siting permits.
  
  
• What is the relationship between this project and FERC’s inter-regional workshops?
  
  • Sponsors are industry leaders focused on a possible extra-high voltage transmission overlay solution that can be incorporated in current and future MISO and PJM studies.
  • Quanta will assess all requirements and needs of these factors and provide an unbiased, independent and optimal recommended plan with an associated estimate of benefits on a state level.
  • While this study is independent of the FERC initiative, it will likely provide valuable input to the initiative.
  
  
• Does the SMARTransmission study assume wind generation will be built and focus on delivering the generation?
  
  • Yes. This study assumes large amounts of wind generation will be built per the RTO queues and future potential development.
  • This study will evaluate the impact of integrating large amounts of renewable resources across the system.
  
  
• Will the Study get down to the level needed for siting?
  No.
  
  • This study will define technical configurations that allow reliable movement of large amounts of wind power to their loads. While the plan will likely identify general areas and high-level possible routes, it is not a siting or routing study. General routes identified in the plans will be used to estimate costs and best align with the existing system.
  • The Regional Transmission Organizations will determine if these projects are included in regional plans.
  • If approved, each project will require fulfillment of siting and routing regulatory processes at the state and federal levels.
  
  
• Why is NorthWestern Energy involved with both the Green Power Express and this group's study?
  NorthWestern wants to support renewable resources with transmission to address the utility industry's electric generation resource issues and be involved in a plan, or plans, that ultimately solves the transmission issue.