The aging U.S. power grid is about to get a jolt

Dynamic ratings and “grid-enhancing technologies”

• Main focus: utilities are adding sensors and controls to squeeze more capacity from existing lines (dynamic line rating, automatic power re-routing).
• Cooling from wind allows higher safe currents; lack of monitoring forces conservative, worst‑case limits.
• Several commenters see this as a necessary but temporary “buy time” measure, not a substitute for major upgrades.

Transmission expansion vs quick fixes

• Strong view that the real constraint is underbuilt high‑voltage transmission (e.g., lack of 500–765 kV lines in many regions).
• Reconductoring existing corridors with modern, higher‑capacity conductors is highlighted as a big win, often easier than new lines.
• Others note permitting, not raw engineering, is the main bottleneck; new lines “are not being built fast enough.”

HVDC, voltages, and design tradeoffs

• Comparisons to China’s UHVDC build‑out; some argue centralized planning lets China overbuild in ways market‑driven systems won’t.
• Explanations of when HVDC makes sense: long distances, underwater/underground cables, or interconnecting unsynchronized grids.
• Debate on repurposing AC corridors for HVDC: technically possible but requires expensive converter stations and serves different roles.

EVs, demand response, and storage

• Discussion of shifting EV charging to windy/cheap periods via smart chargers, hourly pricing, and automated scheduling.
• Concerns: users still need guaranteed charge; solutions proposed include predictive charging with “bag of goals” and strong penalties for ending up empty.
• V2G seen as promising but largely unavailable in practice today.
• Some argue widespread home batteries/EVs could buffer the grid; others warn about long heat/cold waves overwhelming storage.

Policy, economics, and NIMBY

• Multiple comments stress that grid planning must be done a decade ahead; “cheap fixes” can’t replace long‑term investment.
• NIMBY resistance and landowner veto power are seen as major blockers to profitable long‑distance lines.
• US infrastructure bill is cited as funding many grid and other projects, but there’s skepticism about value for money and government execution.

Resilience and risks

• Brief concern about geomagnetic storms (Carrington‑type events); modern protective relays can help if configured correctly.
• Some note overall US peak loads are relatively flat so far, but electrification (EVs, heating, data centers) will eventually force real capacity increases.