Timely, accurate and defensible policy and market analysis is a key ingredient to building and sustaining successful programs at DOE. The Permitting, Siting and Analysis division coordinates OE's policy-related activities which include:

Coordination of Federal Transmission Authorizations
Section 1221(a) of EPACT added section 216(h) to the Federal Power Act, which requires that DOE act as the lead agency for purposes of coordinating all applicable Federal authorizations and related environmental reviews required to site an electric transmission facility. DOE and eight other Federal agencies have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (PDF 5.1 MB) and DOE is considering the need for regulations to further implement its responsibilities under section 216(h).

Energy Corridors on Federal Lands
DOE, the Bureau of Land Management, and other cooperating Federal agencies have released for public review and comment a Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement supporting designation of energy transport corridors on Federal lands in 11 Western States.

National Electric Transmission Congestion Study
OE performs ongoing analysis of the Eastern and Western Interconnects to identify major electric transmission constraints. EPACT requires DOE to publish a National Electric Transmission Congestion Study by August 2006 and every three years thereafter.

National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors
Pursuant to EPACT, the Department designated the Mid-Atlantic Area National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor and the Southwest Area National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor in two of the Nation's most populous regions with growing electricity congestion problems.

Presidential Permits and Export Authorizations
OE authorizes the export of electric energy to Canada and Mexico and issues permits for the construction, connection, operation, and/or maintenance of electric transmission facilities at the international border so all three countries can more fully realize economic and reliability benefits.

State and Regional Policy Assistance
Working with states and regions, OE provides technical assistance and analysis support for policies, market mechanisms, and programs that facilitate competitive, reliable, environmentally-sensitive, customer-friendly electric markets. Key areas include efforts in the areas of demand response and energy efficiency.