Northeastern US states have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to coordinate efforts aimed at improving interregional transmission planning and development, marking a significant step towards advancing the region's clean energy transition.
The MoU, signed by New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont, establishes a framework for collaborative activities to bolster grid reliability and facilitate the expansion of renewable energy resources.
According to New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, “We are not alone in our response to the intensifying climate crisis, which provides crucial opportunities to leverage interregional partnerships toward improving our collective resilience and economic vitality.”
The initiative, supported by the Northeast States Collaborative on Interregional Transmission, aims to enhance electricity flow between different planning regions and assess offshore wind infrastructure needs.
Christine Guhl-Sadovy, President of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU), emphasized the importance of building a resilient transmission network to support the state's growing offshore wind industry and ensure reliability during extreme weather events.
The collaborative effort includes developing a strategic action plan to promote interregional transmission projects for offshore wind resources, addressing barriers, and establishing technical standards for transmission equipment to ensure flexibility and interoperability.
The states anticipate that enhancing transmission infrastructure will lower energy costs for consumers and bolster grid reliability, particularly during periods of high demand and stress.
