Transmission technology can prevent future blackouts.

Transmission technology can prevent future blackouts. National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), Rosslyn, Virginia, USA, claims that proven technology is available today that can satisfy. United States electric transmission needs and build a robust power delivery system for the 21st century. "If we invest in this technology, we can reduce the likelihood of blackouts like the one visited upon us recently and avoid the attendant economic and social consequences as well," says Malcolm O'Hagan, president of NEMA. "Streamlined energy regulation and tax incentives would help insure that this investment is made."

Generation capacity stood at only approximately 75% leading up to the Northeast blackout. The power could not be delivered where it was needed because of transmission constraints. O'Hagan says, "The cost of new transmission technology is generally recognized to be only about 10% of the cost of new generation technology. Deploying state-of-the-art transmission devices can actually decrease customer costs by reducing congestion charges that can dwarf other costs."