As the United States’ electric load is increasing rapidly, the need for transmission infrastructure enhancement and expansion is paramount. The combination of an aging grid, increasing electricity demand, increased frequency of extreme weather events, the need to connect renewable energy resources with demand, and the push toward electrification of both buildings and transportation are contributing to the growing need for transmission improvements and expansion. Transmission planning can take various forms: planning for transmission expansion and building of new transmission lines, increasing the efficiency, resilience, and capacity of existing transmission lines, as well as deferring transmission needs through non-wires alternatives.  State Energy Offices can play a wide spectrum of roles in transmission planning, either directly or indirectly, from developing policy goals, engaging in state-level energy planning, conducting modeling and analyses, and convening relevant stakeholders. 

The NASEO Transmission Working Group convenes State Energy Offices and invited experts to explore the topic of transmission and the role that transmission planning and implementation plays in enabling states to advance their respective energy goals.  This working group convenes virtually on a quarterly basis to delve into policy, programmatic, and regulatory needs and challenges, learn from experts, strategize on shared priorities, and share best practices relating to the planning and implementation of transmission.

On March 25, 2026, at NASEO’s State Transmission Summit, NASEO announced the launch of the NASEO Grid Optimization Task Force, a new collaboration among State Energy Offices, private-sector partners, and other subject-matter experts. Participants will provide strategic guidance to NASEO staff in developing practical resources that help states identify, evaluate, and advance grid optimization technologies for the transmission system in response to rising load growth—while enabling states to remain technology-agnostic and focused on cost-effective outcomes. The Task Force will begin with a series of strategy sessions to validate priorities, equip states to assess opportunities and benefits, define actionable state roles and levers, and surface barriers and proven solutions. Throughout this initiative, close collaboration among the State Energy Offices, private-sector partners, and subject-matter experts will be central to assessing these technologies and identifying pathways to their implementation. Please contact Catherine Reed (creed@naseo.org) with any questions.

Other Resources
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission