PJM’s Regional Transmission Expansion Plan (RTEP) identifies transmission system additions and improvements needed to keep electricity flowing to 51 million people throughout 13 states and the District of Columbia. Studies are conducted that test the transmission system against mandatory national standards and PJM regional standards. These studies look 15 years into the future to identify transmission overloads, voltage limitations and other reliability standards violations. PJM then develops transmission plans in collaboration with Transmission Owners to resolve violations that could otherwise lead to overloads and black-outs. This process culminates in one recommended plan – one RTEP – for the entire PJM footprint that is subsequently submitted to PJM’s independent governing Board for consideration and approval.