Hello John,
Samantha Pensari here, Energy Organizer with Stewardship Utah — and I’ve got some exciting news!
House Bill 212: Advanced Transmission Technologies has officially passed into law!
This bill creates a pathway for the Public Service Commission to approve upgrades to our current transmission infrastructure, helping Utah meet future energy demand in the most cost-effective and efficient way. These upgrades include both software and hardware solutions — like advanced conductors that can carry more electricity without requiring new power lines, and dynamic line rating (DLR) systems that use real-time weather and grid data to determine a line's actual capacity, rather than relying on static, outdated estimates.
These technologies will allow more renewable energy resources to come online. They help tackle congestion — which happens when there’s more electricity being generated than the grid can move, often causing renewable energy to be curtailed (essentially wasted) while more expensive energy sources are used instead.
This work is the product of taking time throughout the year to develop relationships with legislators, community leaders, and fellow organizations. Our work doesn’t start and stop with the legislative session, we must build strong relationships year-round and find common ground on the issues that matter so we can tackle them together.
A huge thank you to Rep. Christine Watkins and Sen. David Hinkins for their leadership in strengthening Utah’s energy system and planning for future load demand. If you have a moment, please thank both of these legislators for getting a great bill passed!
