utility some states states not states not over time not allowed allowed allowed Agricultural Current In Limited to a Limited to a Limited to a Limited to a Reduced by levels for cooperation few states few states few states few states regulation large with local and in and in some and in some and and policy agricultural utility or some states states not states not curtailed companies not allowed allowed allowed over time unless restricted by regulation Electricity demand continues to grow slowly during these years due to increased energy efficiency. What little boost in growth that does occur, is largely driven by the growing use of EVs and their need for periodic charging. Customers and policymakers continue to desire clean energy, so older coal-fired power plants continue to be retired and replaced with clean energy alternatives. The End Years 2031-2038: Integrating Continuing Innovation The issue of scale—how big should the most efficient operating power company be—is the question confronting policymakers during these years. How big should interstate electricity transmission companies be allowed to grow through consolidation? If, through better technology, companies can effectively manage larger operations, why should they not be allowed to do so? Through a sequence of mergers, a mega-utility is forming in the Western Interconnection which strides across several states. How should such an entity be federally regulated when its operations within one state are so well integrated with operations in another that they are actually one seamless whole? Incumbent utility managers don’t see a problem because they argue they are meeting all of their regulated requirements, meeting all renewable portfolio standards, and delivering reliable power at fair prices. Their companies are successfully integrating clean energy resources with a limited amount of gas-fired generation so that reliable power is available at the lowest cost. Natural gas markets have stabilized in the US as excess supplies are being exported. The large utility companies suggest that a natural next step in the evolution of the US power system is toward some form of nationalization of the grid to enhance reliability. Federal support will be needed for investments to connect a nationalized grid. FERC is satisfied with assuring openness in the market for emerging technologies, and that big companies don’t exert too much market power. During these years economic conditions in the Western Interconnection are stable and in line with the national economy. Global economic trends are still affected by trade flows, swings in capital markets, and demographics. Companies in the West remain strong players in international trade. The power industry in the Western Interconnection is benefitting from global trends that improve technology and
utility some states not allowed states not allowed states not allowed over time Agricultural Current levels for large agricultural companies unless restricted by regulation In cooperation with local utility or Limited to a few states and in some states not allowed Limited to a few states and in some states not allowed Limited to a few states and in some states not allowed Limited to a few states and curtailed over time Reduced by regulation and policy Electricity demand continues to grow slowly during these years due to increased energy efficiency. What little boost in growth that does occur, is largely driven by the growing use of EVs and their need for periodic charging. Customers and policymakers continue to desire clean energy, so older coal-fired power plants continue to be retired and replaced with clean energy alternatives. The End Years 2031-2038: Integrating Continuing Innovation The issue of scale—how big should the most efficient operating power company be—is the question confronting policymakers during these years. How big should interstate electricity transmission companies be allowed to grow through consolidation? If, through better technology, companies can effectively manage larger operations, why should they not be allowed to do so? Through a sequence of mergers, a mega-utility is forming in the Western Interconnection which strides across several states. How should such an entity be federally regulated when its operations within one state are so well integrated with operations in another that they are actually one seamless whole? Incumbent utility managers don’t see a problem because they argue they are meeting all of their regulated requirements, meeting all renewable portfolio standards, and delivering reliable power at fair prices. Their companies are successfully integrating clean energy resources with a limited amount of gas-fired generation so that reliable power is available at the lowest cost. Natural gas markets have stabilized in the US as excess supplies are being exported. The large utility companies suggest that a natural next step in the evolution of the US power system is toward some form of nationalization of the grid to enhance reliability. Federal support will be needed for investments to connect a nationalized grid. FERC is satisfied with assuring openness in the market for emerging technologies, and that big companies don’t exert too much market power. During these years economic conditions in the Western Interconnection are stable and in line with the national economy. Global economic trends are still affected by trade flows, swings in capital markets, and demographics. Companies in the West remain strong players in international trade. The power industry in the Western Interconnection is benefitting from global trends that improve technology and
WECC%202018-2019%20Draft%20Scenarios%20for%20Horizon%20Year%202038%20v0.1.docx