Why ETA

ETA brings together two transmission powerhouses who have a shared belief in the critical need for transmission investment and recognition of the benefits of extra-high voltage transmission. AEP owns and operates the nation's largest transmission system -- more than 39,000 circuit miles -- and is an expert in building and operating extra-high-voltage transmission. AEP operates more 765-kilovolt (kV) transmission than all other U.S. utilities combined. MidAmerican is the fifth-largest transmission owner in the nation and is a consolidated subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway.

What We Believe
In the electric transmission business, design plays a key role in the efficiency and productivity of the nation’s energy delivery system. ETA believes that high-voltage, high-efficiency transmission facilities are the cornerstone of efforts to maximize system performance while minimizing overall environmental impacts and system cost.

ETA is advancing the concept that high efficiency transmission systems should serve as the foundation for new transmission investment that will become the electrical equivalent of the national interstate highway system. By easing the loads on tired and often overtaxed transmission systems, ETA is looking to raise the bar on transmission design and system performance. In particular, ETA believes that 765-kV, extra-high voltage transmission offers a number of appealing technological and operational advantages for expansion of the nation’s energy grid.

Why 765?
Building a 765-kV transmission overlay can produce many benefits in a more cost-effective, efficient manner with less land impact than lower-voltage options. One 765-kV line on a 200-foot right of way can carry as much electricity as six 345-kV single circuit lines requiring 900 feet of right of way, and the 765-kV line would cost half as much to build.

Through ETA, AEP and MidAmerican are committed to investing in projects throughout North America that advance the expansion of an interstate transmission system. We work with local partners to ensure that the interests of local and regional stakeholders are reflected in our projects. Our projects, Prairie Wind Transmission and Tallgrass Transmission, represent the type of transmission investments that we believe are critical to modernize our nation's transmission infrastructures.

ETA is committed to helping the United States achieve an efficient, effective transmission grid and ensuring that the capital invested in transmission infrastructure provides long-term benefits for our economy and environment.