Transmission infrastructure is increasingly being viewed not just as an energy issue, but as a critical driver of economic growth, manufacturing expansion, and future investment, according to speakers at American Clean Power's CLEANPOWER event in Houston.
During a panel discussion on economic transmission projects, participants repeatedly compared transmission networks to the physical infrastructure that enables broader economic activity.
"The grid is really the central nervous system for the economy," said Patrick Woods, vice president of ITC Holdings, Corp. and president of ITC Great Plains. "Wherever you build and wherever you develop, you will enable development and economic development to happen."
Woods argued that the U.S. will struggle to achieve goals around reshoring manufacturing, supporting data centers, and maintaining competitiveness without significant investment in transmission infrastructure.
Similar comparisons emerged from other panelists.
Joseph Sullivan, vice chair of the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, likened transmission to the interstate highway system, arguing that access to broader regional power markets lowers costs and improves reliability for consumers.
Meanwhile, large energy buyers said transmission remains one of the most important enablers of affordable electricity.
"The most expensive path forward is doing what we're doing today," said John Miller, vice president of transmission at the Corporate Energy Buyers Association, arguing that insufficient transmission investment ultimately drives higher costs for consumers and businesses.
The discussion reflected a growing shift within the energy sector, where transmission is increasingly being discussed alongside economic development, industrial policy, and national competitiveness rather than solely as a utility planning issue.
As utilities, regulators, and developers prepare for rising electricity demand, speakers suggested that expanding transmission capacity may become one of the most important infrastructure challenges facing the U.S. economy.
