42 U.S.C. § 16422: Advanced transmission…

Summary

The Commission must encourage use of advanced transmission technologies when it carries out the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 791a et seq.) and the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2601 et seq.). Advanced transmission technology means any technology that lets a power line or facility carry more electricity, work more efficiently, or be more reliable. The law lists 19 types, including high-temperature or superconducting lines, underground cables, new conductor and ceramic materials, better line layouts, modular gear, wireless power, very high-voltage and high-voltage DC systems, flexible AC systems, energy storage (like pumped hydro, compressed air, superconducting magnetic storage, flywheels, and batteries), controllable load, small local generation (for example solar panels, fuel cells, and microturbines), improved monitoring and sensors (including fiber optics), power electronics and related software, mobile transformers and substations, and any other technologies the Commission finds appropriate.

Title 42, §16422

The Public Health and Welfare, Source: USLM XML via OLRC

(a)Definition of advanced transmission technology

In this section, the term “advanced transmission technology” means a technology that increases the capacity, efficiency, or reliability of an existing or new transmission facility, including—

(1)high-temperature lines (including superconducting cables);

(2)underground cables;

(3)advanced conductor technology (including advanced composite conductors, high-temperature low-sag conductors, and fiber optic temperature sensing conductors);

(4)high-capacity ceramic electric wire, connectors, and insulators;

(5)optimized transmission line configurations (including multiple phased transmission lines);

(6)modular equipment;

(7)wireless power transmission;

(8)ultra-high voltage lines;

(9)high-voltage DC technology;

(10)flexible AC transmission systems;

(11)energy storage devices (including pumped hydro, compressed air, superconducting magnetic energy storage, flywheels, and batteries);

(12)controllable load;

(13)distributed generation (including PV, fuel cells, and microturbines);

(14)enhanced power device monitoring;

(15)direct system state sensors;

(16)fiber optic technologies;

(17)power electronics and related software (including real time monitoring and analytical software);

(18)mobile transformers and mobile substations; and

(19)any other technologies the Commission considers appropriate.

(b)Authority

In carrying out the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 791a et seq.) and the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2601 et seq.), the Commission shall encourage, as appropriate, the deployment of advanced transmission technologies.

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Federal Power Act, referred to in subsec. (b), is act June 10, 1920, ch. 285, 41 Stat. 1063, which is classified generally to chapter 12 (§ 791a et seq.) of Title 16, Conservation. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 791a of Title 16 and Tables. The Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978, referred to in subsec. (b), is Pub. L. 95–617, Nov. 9, 1978, 92 Stat. 3117. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see

Short Title

note set out under section 2601 of Title 16, Conservation, and Tables.

§16422 Advanced Transmission Technologies