FERC proposes 'first-ready, first-served' interconnection rules to help spur new generation, storage
FERC proposes 'first-ready, first-served' interconnection rules to help spur new generation, storage
Abstract
FERC aims to help remove the interconnection logjam by adopting tactics already used by some grid operators: studying interconnection requests in groups, or clusters, instead of one by one, and imposing requirements, such as larger financial commitments, that aim to weed out speculative projects that have little chance of being built. In a move that could affect projects that combine generation with energy storage, FERC proposed requiring transmission providers to allow co-located resources behind a single point of interconnection to share a single interconnection request, according to Kessler. The proposal is largely based on existing reform efforts and ideas, according to FERC Commissioner Mark Christie. There is no timetable for upcoming proposals, but Glick told reporters after the meeting he hopes FERC can issue them "Sooner rather than later." Proposal sets 'best practice' standards, experts say While some grid operators have been working in recent years to improve their interconnection processes, FERC's proposal will provide consistent guidance across the country, according to Rob Gramlich, Grid Strategies president. FERC's proposal appears to do a good job in setting minimum "Best practice" standards that RTOs and non-RTOs must meet, according to Jeff Dennis, Advanced Energy Economy managing director and general counsel. FERC proposes extreme weather standards, reports With references to the 2021 Winter Storm Uri and a recent North American Electric Reliability Corp. report warning large parts of the U.S. face reliability risks this summer, partly due to drought, FERC proposed measures to help transmission owners prepare for extreme weather. The proposal builds on a technical conference on climate change, extreme weather, and grid reliability FERC held a year ago.