Transmission

On the second episode of the Factor This Policycast—in partnership with Advanced Energy United—United’s Caitlin Marquis and Grid Strategies’ Rob Gramlich outline how each major regional transmission organization (RTO) and independent system operator (ISO) is approaching generator interconnection reform. Marquis and Gramlich also share policy suggestions and discuss the recent show-cause orders issued by FERC to each of the six regional grid operators within its jurisdiction, directing them to either justify or reform the rules governing how large energy users, such as data centers, connect to the electric grid.

DEER VALLEY, UTAH – Today, a year-long initiative focused on Western energy issues comes to a close with the release of a new report from the Western Governors’ Association. The report is a product of Governor Spencer Cox’s Chair’s Initiative, “Energy Superabundance: Unlocking Prosperity in the West.” The Initiative held a series of workshops and conversations throughout the region over the past year, looking at actionable ways to improve the ability of the West to build the energy infrastructure needed to power its future.

Maryland Matters reports that the entire 13-state region under PJM Interconnection will be operating under a hot weather alert. With the power system under increased strain, short-term energy prices may potentially spike and blackouts may become more common. United’s Katie Mettle stated that this week’s heatwave represents the importance of reducing power demand through energy efficiency programs, which subsidize more efficient appliances, insulation work, and other methods.

Utility Dive reports on a new analysis titled “Generator Interconnection Progress Report: An Interim Evaluation of the Outcomes and Processes of the Seven U.S. Regional Transmission System Operators,” created by Grid Strategies and the Brattle Group on behalf of Advanced Energy United. The report evaluates how each grid operator is progressing on streamlining their generator interconnection queues since an initial 2024 assessment, and outlines policy solutions to speed connection to the transmission grid.

A new evaluation of generator interconnection processes shows regional grid operators are making progress fixing bottlenecks, but more reforms are needed.

A new progress report from Grid Strategies and The Brattle Group, prepared on behalf of Advanced Energy United, evaluates how each grid operator is progressing at fixing interconnection bottlenecks and outlines policy solutions to speed connection to the transmission grid.

RTO Insider reports on a new suite of orders from FERC, which call on transmission grid operators to offer new options to large load customers, potentially creating much-welcome regulatory certainty and transparency, as well as some safeguards to ensure that co-location won’t negatively impact the electric rates and system reliability of all other customers. United’s Caitlin Marquis commended FERC for recognizing the inherent value that grid flexibility, advanced transmission technologies (ATTs), and new co-located generating resources provide in solving large-load challenges and meeting growing energy demands.

Factor This reports on the recent show-cause orders from FERC, which direct the six regional grid operators within its jurisdiction to either justify or reform the rules governing how large energy users connect to the grid. United’s Caitlin Marquis stated that FERC’s orders will help address the rapid influx of new large loads, calling on the grid operators and the industry to respond to FERC’s directives quickly with workable, durable solutions that are fair for all customers.

In the inaugural episode of the Factor This Policycast—in partnership with Advanced Energy United—United’s Managing Director Caitlin Marquis and Electricity Transmission Competition Coalition’s Paul Cicio discuss how the public benefits from the competitive solicitation process for constructing large-scale, high-voltage transmission lines.

A new suite of orders from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) calls on transmission grid operators to offer new options to large load customers, potentially creating much-welcome regulatory certainty and transparency, as well as some safeguards to ensure that co-location won’t negatively impact the electric rates and system reliability of all other customers. As large energy load users, including data centers, seek faster connection to the power grid, co-locating with power plants, or committing to flexible operations, are promising compromises.

RTO Insider reports that ISO-NE’s preliminary analysis indicates the grid operator’s sweeping Capacity Auction Reforms project would result in a relatively small reduction in capacity costs across a range of scenarios. United’s Alex Lawton proposed a change to how ISO-NE would model the load shapes of neighboring regions, arguing that the RTO’s proposal approach limits opportunities for storage resources.

In an op-ed for Crain’s Cleveland Business, United’s Jon Gordon discusses rapidly growing energy demand in Ohio, and how this surge is putting pressure on PJM Interconnection, the nation’s largest grid operator, to lower costs and strengthen the state’s grid. He outlines how PJM can meet rising load growth affordably and reliably by streamlining interconnection processes and embracing a more diverse mix of energy resources.