Large Loads Drive System-wide Transmission Planning and Investment

RMI outlines that large loads (including data centers) are driving system-wide transmission planning and provides three case studies (SPP, ERCOT Delaware Basin, NV Energy) illustrating best practices and phased approaches rather than announcing new projects.

• Main announcement/action: RMI presents analysis and three case studies demonstrating how system-wide transmission planning can better accommodate rapid load growth versus piecemeal interconnection; it highlights SPP’s $19 billion portfolio (including >2,000 miles of 765 kV backbone) and the ERCOT Delaware Basin trigger stages with specific upgrade cost estimates and triggers tied to peak demand levels.
• Background and details: The article is an analytical report (third in a series) that references existing regional plans and studies (SPP 2025 ITP, ERCOT Delaware Basin Load Integration Study, NV Energy Western Nevada and Apex Master Plans), provides timelines (e.g., NV Energy staged capacity additions through 2032), benefit-to-cost metrics (SPP portfolio BCRs of 9.4 and 5.7 across scenarios), and recommends scenario planning and phased/triggered investments to manage uncertainty.