The Bonneville Power Administration agrees there is urgency for additional transmission capacity as called for in Angus Duncan’s June 23 op-ed (“Opinion: A future of reliable, clean energy depends on building out Oregon’s power grid”). But we must add some key facts.

In 2023, BPA launched its Evolving Grid effort, which unveiled specific projects and actions aimed at meeting the transmission needs of BPA’s customers and the region over the next 20 years. The most significant part of this effort to date is BPA’s July 2023 announcement of plans for more than $2 billion in new transmission projects and upgrades.

· BPA completed a 2024 transmission study responding to new requests to expand the system, identifying several additional expansion projects we are evaluating to provide long-term transmission service to those looking to transfer electricity across our system.

· BPA is fully engaging with the region through the Western Power Pool’s Western Transmission Expansion Coalition, mentioned by Mr. Duncan. WestTEC is exploring a new approach for transmission planning that will result in an actionable transmission plan to address regional and inter-regional needs.

· BPA and its customers recently agreed to changes that will result in a more streamlined and efficient generator interconnection process. It is also evaluating “day-ahead market” participation to realize potential operational and financial benefits.

BPA is a not-for-profit entity that provides transmission service at cost and coordinates with neighboring utilities considering their own expansion projects. Our customers are eager to meet the region’s clean energy goals. As they request service on the BPA transmission system, we must have assurance that they will support new projects in the form of contracted transmission service. This ensures BPA builds the right projects in the right place at the right time for the right price, avoiding undue rate hikes for the region’s electric ratepayers.

John Hairston Hairston is BPA’s administrator and CEO

To read more letters to the editor, go to oregonlive.com/opinion.