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As our state's economy begins to strengthen, it's time to refocus on the need for a more reliable supply of electricity to fuel economic growth. Today's widespread interest in the development of renewable sources of electricity must go hand in hand with expanding the system that transmits electricity.

Today, less than 6 percent of Maryland's electricity comes from renewable sources: wind, solar, geothermal, hydroelectric, biomass, etc. We have far to go to reach the state's goal that 20 percent of our electricity will come from renewable resources by 2022. Incentives, technical assistance, competitive energy markets and funding will be necessary to encourage the development of diverse renewable sources and make power from them more available to Maryland consumers. But, as these sources are being developed, we must pay equal attention to making sure the electricity produced from them can reach users.

The grid that supplies Maryland's electricity, and all or parts of 12 other states and the District of Columbia, is near capacity and cannot transmit additional energy — from any source — without expansion. Maryland's electricity consumers pay a premium for electricity transmitted through this congested system.

Our grid operator, PJM Interconnection, with authority from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, has called for grid enhancements to be in place by 2014, or Maryland and other energy destinations on the grid will begin to experience power interruptions and possibly blackouts.

The addition of transmission lines is the fastest route to prevent power shortages, encourage the development of renewable energy, enhance competition in energy markets and boost our state's economy. To delay or to deny the approval of new transmission lines will slow the introduction of green electricity into our state, leaving Maryland with a tenuous electricity supply — hardly a selling point for potential business investment.

Maryland's Public Service Commission is expected to consider two transmission line projects during the next year. If approved by the PSC and completed on schedule, these lines will prevent the power shortages that are predicted in less than five years.

These improvements to our electricity infrastructure will encourage the development of renewable energy sources in Maryland — exactly what Maryland consumers demand and our environment deserves. Together with conservation initiatives, renewable sources will, over time, contribute enormously to a reliable electricity supply. The proposed transmission lines will buy critical time for the development of renewable sources and conservation measures to have an effect. Our area's economy must be poised to grow again. Let's make sure we're ready.

Russell Lacey is president of Electric Advisors Inc., located in Bethesda.