WASHINGTON, D.C. — A failure to plan and construct enough transmission capability has led sure grid operators to institute interconnection queue-rationing frameworks, doubtless elevating prices for shoppers, in line with a brand new report launched final week by the American Council on Renewable Vitality (ACORE) and Grid Methods LLC. In evaluating the actions of 4 grid operators, the report finds that whereas sure rationing mechanisms could speed up era initiatives, some sacrifice equity, transparency, and adherence to open-access ideas.
Prioritizing particular era initiatives over others undermines honest competitors and introduces regulatory uncertainty. This well timed report comes as grid operators race to cost-effectively meet quickly rising electrical energy demand whereas making certain reliability.
“Utilizing interconnection rationing frameworks can undermine honest competitors ideas and damage American shoppers,” ACORE President and CEO Ray Lengthy mentioned. “It’s necessary that the discriminatory processes are actually one-time options as grid operators proceed to implement FERC-mandated transmission planning and interconnection reforms.”
The report evaluates latest proposals from the grid operators in California, the Nice Plains, the area protecting the Midwest to the Gulf States, and Mid-Atlantic, and proposes a two-path framework for making certain entry and competitors. Necessary first steps are making certain any “fast-lane” approaches are last-resort use solely when sure circumstances are met and integrating interconnection with proactive transmission planning to prioritize commercially prepared and policy-aligned assets.
“Between retiring capability and rising demand, grid operators throughout the nation face useful resource adequacy challenges exacerbated by the interconnection queue backlog,” mentioned Houtan Moaveni, Vice President at Grid Methods and lead creator on the report. “Our report gives a framework for grid operators to strategically handle the interconnection queue and produce essential era on-line shortly with out sacrificing transparency and competitiveness.”
Click on right here to obtain the report and click on right here to view the webinar recording.
About ACORE
ACORE is a nonpartisan nonprofit group that promotes funding in American renewable power infrastructure, improvement, and innovation. In partnership with a broad membership that spans the power worth chain, ACORE advances the general public insurance policies, market analysis, and business convenings to place america as a world chief in renewable power deployment.
ACORE’s membership consists of renewable power traders, builders, power patrons, energy turbines, producers, and power suppliers. In 2024, almost 80% of the booming utility-scale home renewable power progress was financed, developed, owned, outfitted, or contracted by ACORE members.
About Grid Methods
Grid Methods LLC is an influence sector consulting agency serving to shoppers perceive the alternatives and obstacles to integrating clear power into the electrical grid. Drawing on in depth expertise in state regulation, transmission planning, and wholesale markets, Grid Methods analyzes and helps advance grid integration options.
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