The Western Governors’ Association recently released its “Energy Superabundance” road map, a bipartisan set of recommendations for meeting growing electricity demand across the West. While the report addresses everything from nuclear energy to permitting reform, one message stands out: transmission has become one of the greatest constraints on the region’s energy future.
Utah should take that conclusion seriously.
Across the West, states are working to meet rapidly growing electricity demand driven by population growth, economic development, advanced manufacturing and increased electrification. Utah is no exception. Through initiatives like Operation Gigawatt, state leaders are focused on expanding power generation and developing a diverse energy portfolio.
But Utah faces the same challenge confronting the rest of the West: generating electricity is only half the equation. That electricity still has to get where it’s needed.
As Utah’s population grows and its economy continues to attract energy-intensive industries, transmission infrastructure becomes just as important as bringing new energy online. Without it, new electricity resources cannot fully serve homes, businesses and communities, regardless of how much power is produced.
The governors’ recommendations appropriately focus on federal reforms, including transmission planning, permitting improvements, financing tools and National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors. Those changes are needed.
But Utah does not need to wait for Washington to act.
While federal reforms can help, Utah can take meaningful action on its own. Two policy tools could help accelerate transmission development: a Utah Transmission Authority to expand financing and project delivery options, and a state-level siting process for transmission projects that serve a demonstrated statewide interest.
A Utah Transmission Authority deserves serious consideration.
Today, Utah and other intermountain states rely primarily on utilities to identify transmission needs, finance projects, and move them through development. Utilities have served the state well, while balancing wildfire mitigation, reliability upgrades, system maintenance and other competing capital priorities. Because transmission investments are typically financed through utility capital programs and recovered through customer rates, relying exclusively on utility funding may limit the pace at which some critical projects can move forward.
Building on the strong planning already underway by Utah’s utilities, a Transmission Authority could provide additional financing and project delivery tools for strategically important projects. By pursuing federal funding, leveraging private capital, and developing public-private partnerships, it could help advance projects that support statewide priorities — complementing, not replacing, the utilities’ role in planning and operating the grid.
Financing, however, is only part of the challenge.
Utah should consider expanding the role of its existing Public Service Commission to allow direct state review of transmission projects that serve a demonstrated statewide interest. Similar to approaches used in Arizona, Nevada and Wyoming.
Utah values local control, and local governments should continue to have a meaningful voice in decisions. Public involvement, stakeholder engagement and environmental review are essential components of successful project development. Early engagement often leads to better project outcomes, stronger mitigation measures and greater community support.
But transmission infrastructure differs from most local development because its benefits extend far beyond the jurisdiction where it is located.
A transmission line that improves reliability, supports economic growth or strengthens the state’s electric system may cross multiple counties and municipalities. Under the current system, a single jurisdiction can effectively delay infrastructure that benefits the entire state.
For transmission projects that meet clearly defined statewide criteria, the Utah Public Service Commission could create a siting board to conduct a coordinated review and make a final siting determination while incorporating local input and mitigation requirements. Local governments would continue to provide input on routes, mitigation measures, and community concerns, but statewide infrastructure needs and benefits would also receive direct consideration.
The goal is not to diminish local voices. Rather, it is to recognize that some transmission projects provide benefits that extend beyond any single county or municipality and deserve a state-level process capable of evaluating those broader interests.
Large transmission projects require years to plan, permit, design and build. Utah leaders have made clear that energy development is a priority. Now the state should match that ambition with the regulatory tools needed to deliver it. Utah does not have to wait for Washington. It can lead now by putting those tools in place.