In an effort to focus attention on the problems of approving electrical power transmission corridors, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) published Siting Transmission Corridors, a roadmap that explores the intricacies of the administrative processes involved in connecting renewable energy sources to the electrical grid.

Transmission corridors are the land over which wires and other connections traverse. They are the means by which traditional and renewable energy sources will be transported from remote locations to areas where energy is needed most.

According to NEMA President and CEO Evan R. Gaddis, Siting Transmission Corridors lays bare the massiveness of the effort to attain energy independence.

“Everyone wants to harness the energy from wind, sun, earth, and tides, but moving it can be problematic. Transmission corridors are the means by which energy moves from source to destination. They are integral to the creation of a sustainable energy portfolio, job growth, and economic opportunity. The real life challenge of Siting Transmission Corridors can take years of skillful navigation with millions of dollars on the line,” Gaddis said.

The publication may be downloaded at www.nema.org/TransmissionCorridorsGameboard.

While energy entrepreneurs, transmission developers, public utilities, legislatures, and regulators often differ on siting specifics, they agree that load growth, construction permits, wildlife protection, property rights, and other concerns must be addressed before lines can be built.

Loosely based on Hasbro’s Chutes and Ladders® board game, Siting Transmission Corridors charts the bureaucratic maze involved in navigating Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and other government regulations, environmental considerations, court challenges, and the impacts of physical construction.

“NEMA is a strong proponent of a national siting policy and supports legislation that designates FERC as the lead agency for conducting environmental reviews. A clear nationwide transmission line siting process would streamline current practices, facilitate construction, create domestic jobs, and expedite transmission corridors necessary for delivering clean and renewable energy,” Gaddis said.