PNNL

The Inclusive Transmission Planning (ITP) project is an initiative by the Department of Energy’s Grid Deployment Office (GDO) led by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) to provide technical assistance to transmission planners, including Regional Transmission Organizations/Independent System Operators (RTOs/ISOs), Power Marketing Administrations (PMAs), and utilities. The ITP will help transmission planners increase community input and integrate equity considerations into planning processes in order to produce transmission plans that reflect broader input from affected groups and support equitable community outcomes. Through a series of listening sessions with diverse audiences, PNNL will collect feedback and information to help transmission planners identify opportunities for strengthening communication with non-expert stakeholders and enhancing transmission planning processes.  

Affected groups are those impacted by transmission planning and subsequent development, including those historically marginalized that have faced outsized environmental, economic, or health burdens. Incorporating equity considerations in transmission planning can include (but are not limited to) early engagement with potentially affected groups in the planning process, the inclusion of equity metrics in modeling (such as understanding whether some populations are disproportionately affected by planned load shedding strategies), and enhanced transparency in decision-making.  

Outreach 

PNNL will host virtual listening sessions with multiple sectors including communities, Tribes, RTOs/ISOs, PMAs, utilities, and state agencies for the purpose of listening to feedback and learning about potential opportunities to increase public awareness, education, engagement, and participation focused on equity considerations in transmission planning.  

Research and Resources 

PNNL will use feedback from outreach efforts to inform research and the development of focused publications and resources. These resources will focus on increasing public awareness, access, and opportunities for participation in transmission planning processes. PNNL will also develop educational materials centered on energy equity and implementation strategies to support transmission planners. 

Technical Assistance 

PNNL will develop and operate a technical assistance program to help interested transmission planners at RTOs/ISOs, PMAs, and utilities to improve community engagement and integrate equity considerations into transmission planning processes.  This technical assistance will be delivered through targeted resources, trainings and informational webinars, and direct consultation with transmission planning entities. 

Questions?  

Please email us, we are eager to hear from you. Email: ITP@pnnl.gov.