How reconductoring could allow almost all of the US to run on clean energy

A recent study conducted by the University of California in collaboration with GridLab has revealed new findings on the potential of reconductoring to significantly enhance the efficiency and sustainability of the U.S. electricity grid. The research indicates that replacing existing power lines with advanced conductors could help bring about a cleaner and more cost-effective energy future.

“If the U.S. transmission build-out rate does not increase dramatically, transmission capacity will be insufficient to meet clean energy goals and serve the electrification demands of U.S. industrial growth,” the study’s authors wrote. “This report identifies one such option reconductoring with advanced conductors in existing corridors, as particularly promising; explains the technology; and demonstrates its viability as an efficient, cost-effective, implementation-ready solution that is deployable to scale.”

According to the report’s findings, reconductoring could facilitate the transition to a power sector where up to 90% of electricity is sourced from clean energy by 2035. This shift is projected to yield savings for consumers on their energy bills, potentially reducing electricity costs by an average of 3%-4%.

The study identifies nearly all of the nation’s transmission lines — approximately 98% — as viable candidates for reconductoring. By upgrading infrastructure with advanced conductors, the capacity to deliver power to consumers could be quadrupled, offering significant economic benefits. The estimated total savings for Americans could reach $85 billion by 2035 and potentially escalate to $180 billion by 2050.

“Reconductoring with advanced conductors can rapidly and cost-effectively provide substantial increases of transmission capacity in the near-term,” the report said. “This unlocks access to lower-cost, higher-quality clean energy in more locations across the country, thereby lowering wholesale electricity costs.”

However, the transition to reconductoring comes with a considerable upfront cost. The study indicates that reconductoring projects typically require around 20% more investment than constructing new transmission lines. At a scale large enough to realize consumer and environmental benefits, the projected cost of reconductoring is estimated to be approximately $740 billion.

Despite the substantial financial investment required, reconductoring presents advantages in terms of time efficiency. Unlike the construction of new transmission lines, which can take between five to 15 years to complete on average, reconductoring projects typically have shorter timelines, ranging from 18 months to three years.

“While research shows the vast potential for customer savings and clean energy deployment, using these conductors has lagged as utilities and their regulators avoid higher up-front costs despite significant benefits, instead sticking to the status quo,” the authors of the report concluded. “The technology is ready and now is the time for implementation.”