An overview of the access issue

Transmission access if a term used to describe the concept of making a utility's transmission lines available to other utilities and non-utilities for buying and selling electricity. Interest in the issue has increased recently because of current industry conditions. Marketing excess capacity, exploiting cost differences between utilities, and the growth of non-utility capacity have made transmission important to many of the traditional and non-traditional industry participants. Although, transmission service has increased substantially faster than retail sales, there is some concern the present supply and access conditions are inadequate. Moreover, many believe there remains significant potential for broad economic benefits from power transfers which are precluded by current institutional constraints. Proposals for greater access are usually justified on the basis of competition. A main benefit of wheeling is that customers are no longer limited to a single supplier for their electric needs