A coalition of energy companies led by ITC Holdings is asking the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to suspend Order 1000, the 2011 rule that requires competitive bidding on major transmission line projects. ITC argues the process can delay construction by up to two years and that new bidders unfamiliar with local terrain often create long-term overruns. The Electricity Transmission Competition Coalition disagrees, citing studies showing non-competitive projects averaged 84% cost overruns while competitive bidding trimmed costs by roughly 30%.
Why should Gulf Coast residents care? Transmission costs are baked into every electric bill, and how quickly new grid infrastructure gets built matters in a region that measures life in hurricane seasons. A faster process could mean a more resilient grid sooner. A cheaper process could mean lower bills. FERC’s decision, expected soon, will tilt the scales one way or the other.
The debate boils down to a familiar trade-off: speed versus savings, and who gets to decide. Whatever FERC rules, the effects will ripple down to ratepayers in Sarasota, Manatee, and beyond.
What do you think, should competitive bidding stay or go?
