Section 1818-B. Advanced transmission technologies.
(a) Applicability.--This section shall apply to each transmission siting application filed with the commission under 52 Pa. Code Ch. 57 Subch. G (relating to commission review of siting and construction of electric transmission lines) and each letter of notification in lieu of application filed with the commission under 52 Pa. Code Ch. 57 (relating to electric service).
(b) Report of evaluation.--An applicant shall provide to the commission a report documenting that the applicant evaluated and assessed the use of advanced transmission technologies for any of the following:
(1) Existing transmission infrastructure.
(2) Proposed transmission infrastructure and upgrades identified in the application or letter of notification, including infrastructure for which the proposed voltage would be increased above existing levels and infrastructure that would be reconductored or reconstructed within the jurisdiction of the commission.
(c) Rebuttable presumption.--If an applicant includes an analysis of advanced transmission technologies, there shall be a rebuttable presumption that the electric distribution company has considered appropriate advanced transmission technologies for the proposed transmission infrastructure.
(d) Notice for colocated infrastructure.--
(1) When the evaluation under subsection (b) includes the use of advanced transmission technology that would increase the energy-carrying capacity of an existing or proposed transmission line, the applicant shall use reasonable efforts to notify all known owners or operators of pipelines or other critical energy infrastructure located within or adjacent to the existing or proposed right-of-way.
(2) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to relieve any party of obligations under Federal pipeline safety regulations or to require disclosure of proprietary or security-sensitive information.
(e) Conditional approval.--If, upon consideration of record evidence, the commission determines it is in the public interest, the commission may, as a condition of approving an application, and in addition to any other relief granted, order the applicant to integrate advanced transmission technologies to help fully or partially resolve the need identified in the application.
(f) Competitive bids.--For each transmission siting application subject to a competitive bid process, the commission shall give full consideration for the regional benefits identified in the application.
(g) Commission requirements.--No later than one year after the effective date of this subsection, the commission shall adopt regulations, orders or statements of policy specifying the advanced transmission technology assessment requirements and methods that an applicant shall use to satisfy subsection (b).
(h) Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the commission's authority under any other provision of State law to regulate a public utility service or facility.
(i) Definitions.--As used in this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Advanced power flow controller." A hardware or software technology that modulates circuit impedance or other electrical properties to reroute power flows.
"Advanced transmission technologies." Any of the following:
(1) Grid-enhancing technologies, including dynamic line rating, advanced power flow controller and topology optimization software.
(2) High-performance conductors.
(3) Any other technology identified by the commission that may avoid the construction of new transmission infrastructure, increase the capacity, efficiency or reliability of the transmission system, reduce transmission system congestion, reduce environmental impacts or provide other benefits to the transmission system.
"Aluminum conductor steel reinforced conductor." A stranded overhead electrical conductor composed of one or more layers of hard-drawn aluminum wire helically laid around a central core of galvanized or otherwise coated steel strands, designed to provide enhanced tensile strength and electrical conductivity for transmission or distribution applications.
"Dynamic line rating." A system that uses real-time and forecasted weather and operating conditions, including wind speed and direction, to determine the transfer capacity of a transmission line.
"High-performance conductor." A conductor used in an electric transmission system, including a carbon fiber conductor, composite core conductor or superconductor, that has all of the following:
(1) A similar diameter and weight as a traditional aluminum conductor steel reinforced conductor.
(2) A direct electrical resistance that is at least 10% lower than a traditional aluminum conductor steel reinforced conductor of a similar diameter and weight.
(3) An energy-carrying capacity that is at least 75% greater than a traditional aluminum conductor steel reinforced conductor of a similar diameter and weight.
"Topology optimization software." Software that identifies switching configurations to reroute electricity and alleviate transmission constraints.
(1818-B added July 12, 2026, P.L.265, No.21)