Grid-enhancing technologies (GETs) are playing a critical role in modernising the US power system by improving transmission efficiency, increasing grid reliability, and enabling greater integration of renewable energy resources. The Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) has published a white paper titled “Unlocking Transmission Efficiency through Grid Enhancement Solutions”, highlighting the need to modernise and optimise the US electricity transmission network amid rising power demand, ageing infrastructure, growing renewable energy integration, and increasing grid congestion. The report notes that while new high voltage transmission lines remain necessary, permitting delays, rising costs, and community opposition make near-term solutions using existing infrastructure increasingly important.

According to the paper, commercially available GETs, including dynamic line ratings (DLRs), advanced power flow control devices, advanced conductors, and topology optimisation software, can unlock hundreds of GW of additional transmission capacity within three to five years, often at a fraction of the cost and deployment time required for new transmission infrastructure. These technologies improve utilisation of existing networks through real-time monitoring, rerouting power flows, and increasing the carrying capacity of existing transmission lines without requiring major new rights-of-way (RoW). The report also highlights several US and international case studies demonstrating the operational and economic benefits of GETs.

Despite the maturity and cost-effectiveness of these technologies, deployment remains limited due to institutional, regulatory, and operational challenges. The report identifies the following key barriers to wider deployment of GETs:

  • Misaligned incentives: Utilities benefit more from new infrastructure investments than from efficiency improvements.
  • Data restrictions: Limited access to grid data constrains innovation and market participation.
  • Conservative risk culture: Grid operators prioritise reliability and are often reluctant to adopt newer technologies.
  • Resource constraints: Utilities face shortages of staff time, expertise, and implementation capacity.

To accelerate deployment, the report recommends regulatory reforms, stronger incentives, and improved transmission planning processes. It states that policymakers and regulators must create frameworks that encourage utilities to adopt cost-effective GETs and systematically integrate them into transmission planning and interconnection studies. Sustained cooperation among regulators, utilities, policymakers, and technology providers will also be essential to accelerate adoption. The paper outlines the following key solutions:

  • Performance-based incentives: Reward utilities for improving efficiency, reliability, and reducing costs.
  • Public power mandates: Require utilities to evaluate and adopt least-cost grid-enhancing technologies where feasible.
  • Improved planning requirements: Integrate advanced grid technologies into transmission planning and interconnection studies.

The report concludes that sustained leadership from utilities, regulators, policymakers, financiers, and technology providers will be essential to scale deployment of GETs and support the rapid expansion of transmission capability needed to meet future electricity demand growth in the US.

The full report can be accessed here.