Effects of aggregating electric load in the United States

► Effects of aggregating load across various geographic areas of U.S. are quantified. ► Benefits exist for all metrics, but outweighed by additional transmission costs. ► Aggregating electric load alone is not economical, except for West and NW U.S. ► Limited existing transmission capacity yields highest cost for east-west layout. ► Lowest U.S.-wide overall cost when consolidate multiple, small areas.