Dear editor,

The United States has not upgraded its energy grid in 50 years. This poses a problem for energy security and a major expense for families. Any time a new energy project is built, it must pay fees to the regulators of the existing grid, thereby increasing energy costs for consumers. The BIG WIRES (Building Integrated Grids With Inter-Regional Energy Supply) Act is intended to streamline energy grids. Among other things, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission would require that the various operating regions be able to transfer 30 percent of their electricity at peak operating times to other regions that are under stress. This would allow neighboring regions to assist in the event of a hurricane, tornado or other emergency situation. Wyoming is a rural state known for its inclement weather during the winter. Most of us on the far eastern side of the state are tied into the West Connect Non-Enrolled Members portion of the grid. The people in the central and western parts of the state are members of the Northern Grid. We would be able to help each other out within the state. This is a win/win scenario. Please urge our members of Congress to vote for this bill.   

Sincerely,

Erin Madson, Cheyenne