As the clean energy transition gains momentum, the need for a modern, reliable, interconnected electric grid has never been more urgent. Meeting this challenge requires more than incremental improvements; it calls for a reimagined approach to transmission planning that crosses regional and state boundaries, aligns stakeholders, and anticipates future demand.
The Northeast States Collaborative is stepping up to meet that challenge. CHA applauds the leadership behind the newly launched Northeast Interregional Transmission Collaborative (NITC), a groundbreaking initiative that unites ten Northeastern states—including New York, Massachusetts, and New Jersey—to tackle long-standing gaps in interregional electric transmission planning.
Traditionally, transmission planning has been siloed within individual regions, limiting the ability to move electricity efficiently across state lines. NITC seeks to overcome these barriers by fostering cooperation among the region’s three major grid operators: ISO New England, New York ISO, and PJM Interconnection. Through joint planning, standardization of equipment, and shared investment strategies, the NITC aims to reduce consumer costs, improve grid reliability, and accelerate the integration of clean energy resources.
Complementing this regional effort, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC’s) Order 1920, issued in May 2024, mandates sweeping reforms to regional transmission planning and cost allocation. The order requires all transmission planning regions to conduct long-term, scenario-based planning cycles every five years, looking at least 20 years ahead. Planners must evaluate multiple scenarios, including climate and extreme weather consequences, and quantify benefit metrics such as reliability, cost savings, and emissions reductions. Additionally, Order 1920 enhances transparency and mandates state involvement in cost allocation decisions, ensuring that planning reflects both federal standards and local priorities.
Together, NITC and FERC Order 1920 signal a paradigm shift in how the U.S. approaches grid planning—one that emphasizes collaboration, resilience, and long-term value. While NITC provides a voluntary, state-led collaboration across regions, Order 1920 establishes a national regulatory framework that promotes consistency, accountability, and forward-thinking investment. Their combined impact is expected to unlock savings, improve grid resilience, and enable the large-scale deployment of renewable energy across the Northeast and beyond.
This coordinated effort will require vast expertise and resourceful partners. CHA’s Energy Infrastructure team will be a steadfast partner supporting utilities across the country as they shape this next chapter in grid modernization. With decades of experience delivering large-scale, interregional transmission solutions, our team brings the technical depth, regulatory insight, and strategic perspective needed to drive complex projects from concept to reality. We work with utilities, developers, and government agencies to strengthen transmission systems, reduce congestion, and seamlessly integrate clean energy resources across state and regional boundaries.
The future of the grid depends on visionary planning, cross-sector collaboration, and trusted execution with teams who have brought other transformative projects online, such as the Smart Path Connect. Leveraging vast technical, regulatory, and strategic capabilities, we’re excited to be part of the next wave of game-changing projects as the Northeastern states collaborate to build a resilient, clean energy future.
For more information about CHA, contact Frank Peverly at fpeverly@chasolutions.com.