FERC’s transmission planning rule should spur clean energy development in northeast Ohio: Shayna Fritz

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A recent ruling by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), a key player in shaping the energy landscape, offers significant economic development opportunities for Ohio, particularly in northeast Ohio where clean energy companies stand to gain significantly. Order 1920, a landmark decision made by FERC, promotes the development of a more robust, reliable and cost-effective energy infrastructure that is necessary to support the growing demand for electricity from data centers and other energy-intensive facilities.

The rule is the first major update to FERC’s transmission planning policy in more than a decade and comes at a crucial time when demand for power is growing across the country. Recent research attributes the rapid growth in energy demand to the re-domestication of manufacturing, the construction of data centers needed to sustain the 21st century economy, and technological advances enabled by artificial intelligence. Energy demand is forecast to increase by 5% over the next five years.

To meet this growing demand, we need to combine increased production with transmission. This lofty task will not only make us shine, but also fuel our economy. Nationwide, the broadcast will add $42 billion to national GDP and create more than 400,000 jobs. More locally, the clean energy economy has supported approximately 3,000 jobs and $3 billion in economic investment in local economies in Northeast Ohio.

In fact, Warren-based BRITE Energy Innovators plays a key role in advancing clean energy technologies and supporting economic growth. BRITE’s mission to support startups and entrepreneurs from the energy industry is not only to attract significant investments to the region, but also to create well-paid jobs. Notable companies in the BRITE network that could benefit from the FERC ruling include CZAR-Power and Petra Power, both companies poised to contribute to job creation in the clean energy sector.

CZAR-Power, which moved its headquarters from Tennessee to Warren, develops innovative power electronics that combine solar and home inverters with fast electric vehicle chargers into one low-cost device. This technology not only supports the integration of renewable energy into the grid, but also increases energy storage and transmission capabilities. The new FERC regulations, which emphasize long-term planning and resilience to extreme weather, align perfectly with CZAR-Power’s mission to increase the availability and reliability of renewable energy, thereby creating more jobs and stimulating economic activity in the area.

Similarly, Solon-based Petra Power is developing fuel cell technology that was originally developed in collaboration with NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland. Petra Power’s focus on clean energy solutions allows it to benefit from the improved transmission infrastructure and increased grid reliability that the FERC ruling is expected to achieve. By supporting such technologies, the ruling could attract further investment and encourage more clean energy companies to start operations in Northeast Ohio.

Overall, Order 1920’s emphasis on transparent and nondiscriminatory criteria for transmission project selection, cost allocation, and long-term planning will likely increase the attractiveness of Northeast Ohio as a center for clean energy innovation. This regulatory framework supports Ohio’s economic goals by enabling the development of energy-intensive industries, creating jobs and fostering an environment conducive to significant investments in renewable energy and advanced technologies.

As Ohio continues to shape its energy future, the collaborative efforts of state entities, utilities and innovative companies like those supported by BRITE Energy Innovators will be not only important, but critical to realizing the full potential of this regulatory change. This cooperation can lead to a resilient and dynamic energy sector that not only meets current demands but also drives future economic growth and job creation, underscoring the importance of each stakeholder’s role in this process.

Shayna Fritz is the executive director of the Ohio Conservative Energy Forum.

Do you have something to say on this topic?

* Submit a letter to the editor to be considered for print publication.

* General questions about our editorial staff or comments or corrections about this opinion column should be emailed to Elizabeth Sullivan, Opinion Director, at [email protected]