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 Electricity Transmission 

Transmission
The U.S. electric transmission grid consists of more than 200,000 miles of high-voltage transmission lines (230 Kilovolts and greater).  Transmission lines carry electricity from power plants to areas where electricity is needed. Electricity travels at nearly the speed of light, arriving at a destination at almost the same moment it is produced. Reliable electric service and regional electricity markets depend on strong transmission systems. 

We Need to Invest in Transmission Now

As our country’s demand for electricity continues to increase, the system must be expanded and upgraded to meet the needs of our growing population and digital economy. In order to build the system to better meet current and future demand, to alleviate congestion, and to reinforce system reliability, electric companies have earmarked billions of additional dollars for investment in the coming decade.

Shareholder-owned electric companies invested nearly $49 billion in the nation's transmission system from 2000 to 2007, and are expected to spend an additional $31 billion from 2008 to 2010. According to a 2008 report by The Brattle Group, the electric power industry will need to invest $298 billion in the nation’s transmission system from 2010 to 2030 in order to maintain reliable service.

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