Step 6: Transmission System Upgrade

The ultimate goal of the REZ process—part of the vision statement of the Lead Entity (step 1)—is the construction and upgrade of transmission infrastructure. The Lead Entity designs and conducts the REZ process with this goal in mind. The sixth and final step of the REZ process is the coordinated implementation of the transmission enhancements and the development of the REZs.

Building transmission lines is capital intensive and understanding financial constraints can help to optimize investments in transmission system upgrades. When financing constraints limit the feasibility of a single transmission system infrastructure overhaul, the REZ process can consist of a staged investment and development approach. The outputs and the time horizon for each REZ process may differ, and they may range from larger, complete transmission system expansions to smaller or staged upgrades.