Education & Resources

Empowering Knowledge for a Reliable Grid

ALERT delivers data-driven resources, insights, and events to stakeholders on the critical role of local transmission providers in ensuring a secure, affordable electric grid.

OUR EDUCATION MISSION

The Alliance for Local Empowerment and Reliable Transmission is dedicated to educating policymakers, regulators, media, and the public about the value of local transmission providers. Through blogs, fact sheets, policy briefs, and events, we provide clear, evidence-based information on the benefits of community-driven energy solutions and the risks of federal overreach, such as FERC Order No. 1000. Our goal is to empower stakeholders with the knowledge to shape a reliable, affordable and resilient electric grid.

LIBRARY OF EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

PR NEWSWIRE: Provided by ITC Holdings Corp. Feb 06, 2025

The Developers Advocating Transmission Advancements (DATA) Coalition, which includes ITC Holdings Corp. (ITC) and other leading energy companies, has released a unique, new whitepaper that further explores the inefficiencies of so-called competitive bidding for transmission. The report expands on a body of real-world evidence showing that competitive bidding is detrimental to transmission planning, creating inefficiencies, undermining collaboration and likely driving higher costs and delayed benefits to customers over time.


REAL CLEAR ENERGY: By Marc Spitzer April 23, 2025

With a new Administration, the U.S. is at the dawn of a second era of energy dominance. Descendents of Pennsylvanians who discovered oil in Titusville now employ sophisticated directional drilling and hydraulic fracturing to produce low cost and environmentally friendly natural gas. The nation is blessed by robust U.S. natural gas production and emerging clean energy and battery storage technologies. The electric industry is prepared to deliver affordable and reliable energy to Americans in an uncertain world. But the U.S. power grid must be expanded and maintained to bring electricity to homes and businesses.


DATA WHITEPAPER FACT SHEET

DATA: Developers Advocating Transmission Advancements February 2025

THE LATEST IN COMPETITIVE TRANSMISSION: Bidding Leads to Short-Sighted Planning, Cancelled Projects and Costly Litigation Nationwide

VIEW THE FACT SHEET

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PR NEWSWIRE: Provided by ITC Holdings Corp. Feb 06, 2025

The Developers Advocating Transmission Advancements (DATA) Coalition, which includes ITC Holdings Corp. (ITC) and other leading energy companies, has released a unique, new whitepaper that further explores the inefficiencies of so-called competitive bidding for transmission. The report expands on a body of real-world evidence showing that competitive bidding is detrimental to transmission planning, creating inefficiencies, undermining collaboration and likely driving higher costs and delayed benefits to customers over time.


REAL CLEAR ENERGY: By Marc Spitzer April 23, 2025

With a new Administration, the U.S. is at the dawn of a second era of energy dominance. Descendents of Pennsylvanians who discovered oil in Titusville now employ sophisticated directional drilling and hydraulic fracturing to produce low cost and environmentally friendly natural gas. The nation is blessed by robust U.S. natural gas production and emerging clean energy and battery storage technologies. The electric industry is prepared to deliver affordable and reliable energy to Americans in an uncertain world. But the U.S. power grid must be expanded and maintained to bring electricity to homes and businesses.

DATA WHITEPAPER FACT SHEET

DATA: Developers Advocating Transmission Advancements February 2025

THE LATEST IN COMPETITIVE TRANSMISSION: Bidding Leads to Short-Sighted Planning, Cancelled Projects and Costly Litigation Nationwide

VIEW THE FACT SHEET

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FOSTERING COLLABORATION WOULD HELP BUILD NEEDED TRANSMISSION

Grid Strategies: WIRES Report February 20, 2024

A new Grid Strategies report finds that collaboration has been a key element of U.S. transmission system expansion.

VIEW THE ONE PAGER

DATA WHITEPAPER: RECENT EXPERIENCE WITH COMPETITIVE TRANSMISSION PROJECTS AND SOLICITATIONS

DATA: Developers Advocating Transmission Advancements) February 2025

This whitepaper supplements prior work of the DATA Coalition by focusing on recent experiences with competitive solicitation processes and events associated with certain competitively bid projects in early phases of development. The whitepaper presents several recent case studies that are instructive regarding not only the ineffectiveness of Order No. 1000 competitive solicitations in lowering costs and increasing innovation, but also shows how processes introduced by Order No. 1000 are creating inefficiencies, uncertainty, and undermining collaboration in a way that ultimately weakens the delivery of cost-effective and reliable transmission service.

READ THE FULL WHITEPAPER

FOSTERING COLLABORATION WOULD HELP BUILD NEEDED TRANSMISSION

Grid Strategies: WIRES Report February 20, 2024

We find that a common element of successful transmission expansion is collaboration. Collaboration between multiple transmission owners, operators, and planners on various aspects of system analysis, planning, and technology assessment has been prevalent in most examples of successful transmission expansion.

READ THE FULL REPORT

GOVERNOR KIM REYNOLDS RESPONDS TO ASSISTANT AG ON IOWA SENATE FILE 585

Kim Reynolds, Governor of Iowa: April 2, 2025

Iowa has long been a leader in energy production. We currently rank first in the United States for electricity generated through renewable sources and are among the top 10 states for both grid reliability and low electricity prices. We take pride in this strong foundation and recognize we must also remain adaptable as technology continues to evolve and demand for energy rises. As Governor, I am committed to advancing a forward-thinking, all-encompassing energy strategy that ensures affordable energy for consumers and sets the stage for future economic growth. That is why I introduced a comprehensive energy bill during this year’s legislative session.

READ THE FULL EXCHANGE

EEI COMMENTS ON DOJ ANTICOMPETITIVE REGULATIONS TASK FORCE

Edison Electric Institute: May 23, 2025

The Edison Electric Institute (EEI) appreciates the opportunity to provide comments in response to the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) March 27, 2025, invitation in Docket No. ATR-2025-
0001, titled Task Force Invites Public Input Targeting Red Tape that Hinders Free Market Competition. EEI’s comments below (1) provide background on EEI and on our members’ role
in supporting the U.S. energy economy and national security, (2) discuss the regulatory compact that underlies our members’ business model and its importance in ensuring that electric service is affordable and reliable for all customers, and (3) explain how current electric company regulation promotes efficient and cost-effective expansion to meet growing demand.

READ THE FULL COMMENTS

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Informing a Stronger Energy Future

Media Kit

ALERT supports reporting with accurate, accessible information about electric transmission and energy policy

Frequently Asked Questions

Designed to provide clear and comprehensive information to support your understanding of key topics related to ALERT

Industry Resources

A curated list of authoritative websites focused on electric transmission, regulation, and utility infrastructure

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Answers from ALERT

The following Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) are designed to provide clear and comprehensive information to support your understanding of key topics related to the Alliance for Local Empowerment and Reliable Transmission (ALERT), the electric transmission industry, and the regulatory framework that underpins our energy infrastructure. These sections are intended to educate stakeholders, policymakers, and the public, reflecting ALERT’s commitment to fostering an informed community dedicated to a reliable, affordable, and locally empowered electric grid.

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FAQs ON ALERT

This section addresses common inquiries about ALERT’s purpose, membership, and activities. Explore the answers below to gain insight into our mission and how you can engage with our efforts.

What is the Alliance for Local Empowerment and Reliable Transmission (ALERT)?

ALERT is a 501(c)(6) business league dedicated to advocating for local transmission providers. We work to ensure a reliable, affordable, and community-driven electric grid by promoting policies that empower local utilities.

What is ALERT’s mission?

Our mission is to educate policymakers, media, and the public about the value of local control in transmission, advocate for sound policies, and unite industry stakeholders to shape a resilient grid.

How does ALERT educate the public?

Through accessible blogs, fact sheets, infographics, webinars, and direct engagement with stakeholders.

Who can join ALERT?

ALERT welcomes transmission owners, customers, and other stakeholders committed to supporting local grid solutions. Membership is open to those who share our vision—contact us at inquiries@energyALERT.org to learn more.

Who can use ALERT’s resources?

Our materials are freely available to anyone interested in learning about transmission and energy policy.

How can I stay updated on ALERT’s activities?

Stay informed by subscribing to our newsletter on the Site, following us on social media (e.g., @ALERTEnergyUSA on X), or checking our Events page for upcoming webinars and briefings.

FAQs ON ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION

This section offers straightforward explanations about the fundamentals of electric transmission, its role in delivering power, and its significance to modern energy needs. These answers aim to enhance your understanding of the infrastructure supporting communities nationwide.

What is Electric Transmission?

Electric transmission is the process of moving electricity from where it’s generated (like power plants or wind farms) to communities, neighborhoods, and homes through a network of high-voltage lines and equipment.

How does transmission deliver power to my home?

Electricity is generated at power plants, stepped up to high voltage by transformers, and sent over long-distance transmission lines. It’s then stepped down to a safer level by local distribution systems before reaching your home.

Why is transmission important for modern energy needs?

Transmission ensures a steady supply of electricity, connecting remote energy sources to rural and urban areas and supporting growing demands from industries and technologies like AI data centers.

Why are local transmission providers important?

They prioritize community needs, ensuring reliable, affordable energy with accountability to stakeholders.

What happens if the transmission system fails?

A failure can cause power outages, disrupt businesses, and affect daily life. That’s why maintaining and upgrading transmission infrastructure, often led by local providers, is critical for reliability.

How do local providers maintain transmission infrastructure?

Local transmission providers regularly inspect and upgrade lines, transformers, and equipment, tailoring maintenance to community demands. They also collaborate with residents and businesses to address outages quickly, ensuring a resilient grid.

FAQs ON REGULATORY OVERSIGHT AND THE ELECTRIC GRID

This section explores the roles of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), its Order No. 1000, and the Regulatory Compact in shaping the electric grid. These answers provide insight into the regulatory framework that balances federal and state authority, impacting local transmission providers and community interests.

What is the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)?

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is an independent U.S. government agency established under the Department of Energy. It oversees the regulation of interstate transmission of electricity, natural gas, and oil, ensuring reliable and fair energy markets while coordinating with state authorities.

How does FERC Order No. 1000 affect local transmission providers?

Order No. 1000 requires local providers to participate in regional planning, which can limit their autonomy. This may lead to higher costs or projects favoring out-of-state developers, potentially undermining local control and community economic interests.

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Why is the Regulatory Compact important for local communities?

The Compact ensures reliable power for all by enabling utilities to invest approximately $200 billion annually, sustaining 7 million jobs and supporting local economies. It also protects against external takeovers that could disrupt community interests.

What is FERC Order No. 1000?

FERC Order No. 1000, issued in 2011, is a rule that reforms electric transmission planning and cost allocation for public utilities. It mandates regional coordination and considers cost-effective solutions, building on Order No. 890, but has introduced federal processes that can challenge local decision-making and increase costs for some communities.

What is the Regulatory Compact?

The Regulatory Compact, established in the early 1900s, grants utilities exclusive service territories to avoid the instability of unchecked competition. Regulated by states under the Federal Power Act of 1935, it supports consistent infrastructure investment and universal service.

How do FERC, Order No. 1000, and the Regulatory Compact interact?

FERC and Order No. 1000 set federal standards for transmission planning, while the Regulatory Compact gives states authority over local utilities. This interplay can create tension, as federal rules may override state decisions, affecting the balance that supports local control and investment.

MEDIA KIT

Resources For The Press

ALERT supports reporting with accurate, accessible information about electric transmission and energy policy.

ALERT’s Mission Statement

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INDUSTRY RESOURCES

Empowering Your Knowledge

Discover trusted external resources that complement ALERT’s mission to advocate for local transmission providers and a resilient electric grid. These sites offer in-depth data, regulatory insights, and industry analysis from leading organizations. We recommend exploring them to stay informed on transmission planning, energy statistics, and policy developments.

Below is a curated list of authoritative websites focused on electric transmission, regulation, and utility infrastructure. Each link provides valuable tools for stakeholders, policymakers, and the public.

Federal Resources
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)

The independent agency overseeing interstate electricity transmission, including rules like Order No. 1000 on planning and cost allocation. Explore filings, proceedings, and grid reliability standards.

U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)

Provides comprehensive U.S. energy statistics, including annual reports on power generation, transmission investments, and demand trends for utilities and consumers.

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U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

Oversees national energy policy and supports transmission infrastructure through the Office of Electricity. Access research, funding opportunities, and reports on grid modernization and resilience.

Industry Analysis
Edison Electric Institute (EEI)

Represents investor-owned electric companies with resources on industry data, policy advocacy, and grid modernization efforts, including annual transmission spending reports.

WIRES (Investing in Electricity Grid Modernization)

A coalition focused on transmission infrastructure investment, offering reports on policy reforms and the economic benefits of grid upgrades.

National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA)

Represents over 900 rural electric cooperatives serving 42 million Americans, with resources on transmission reliability, policy advocacy, and community-focused grid investments.

Utility Infrastructure
North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC)

Develops and enforces reliability standards for the bulk power system, with data on transmission risks, outages, and compliance for utilities.

American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)

Infrastructure Report Card: Assesses the condition of U.S. energy infrastructure, including transmission grades, investment needs, and innovation recommendations.

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California Independent System Operator (CAISO)

Manages California’s grid operations, providing market data, transmission planning reports, and insights into renewable integration.

PJM Interconnection

The largest U.S. regional transmission organization, offering resources on wholesale markets, reliability planning, and transmission expansions in the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest.

Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO)

Operates the grid across 15 states, with tools for transmission planning, cost allocation studies, and regional energy forecasts.

Southwest Power Pool (SPP)

A regional transmission organization serving the central U.S., featuring data on market operations, infrastructure projects, and reliability assessments.

Let’s Build America Together

Be part of an alliance dedicated to a stronger, community-driven electric grid. Whether you’re a transmission owner, customer, or industry stakeholder, your voice matters.