Olsen, David. Managing Director, Western Grid Group. Stakeholder Involvement Crucial to Better Plans. Energy Future Coalition-Rockefeller Foundation-Meridian Institute Symposium, Dec. 1, 2009.
Comments of Western Grid Group
Transmission lines and other large infrastructure projects routinely face multi- year approval schedules. This delay is sometimes occasioned by the fact that the plans presented for approval often reflect the relatively narrow interests of project proponents. Many such plans do not adequately address broader public interest concerns or consider alternatives. This complicates permitting and often makes approvals contentious.
These comments outline the case that presenting decision-makers with better plans has great potential to speed up permitting and approval processes; and that producing better plans requires more inclusive planning. We present recent examples of project planning in which non-utility stakeholders have improved transmission plans and in so doing, have created broader support for their approval.