FERC Issues Order No. 1920-A Clarifying Regional Transmission Planning Reforms
On November 21st, FERC unanimously issued Order No. 1920-A, a rehearing and clarification of Order No. 1920. While largely upholding the original order, which reforms regional transmission planning and cost allocation processes, Order No. 1920-A introduces key modifications. These include enhancing state involvement in long-term planning, providing flexibility in scenario development, extending compliance deadlines, and improving transparency in cost allocation amendments.
Issued on a bipartisan basis, Order No. 1920-A reflects FERC’s commitment to advancing a collaborative, transparent, and effective approach to modernizing the nation’s transmission infrastructure. For more details, read the full order here.
MISO Makes History with Tranche 2.1 Long Range Transmission Planning Initiative
The Mid-Continent Independent System Operator (MISO) made history on December 12th by approving the largest transmission investment in the region's history. This approval includes 488 projects that span more than 15 states and 5000 miles, and is projected to generate $23 billion in benefits over the next 20 years. Learn more about the MISO Transmission Expansion Plan here.
DOE Announces $30 Million AI Program to Modernize Interconnection Processes
The Department of Energy (DOE) has launched the Artificial Intelligence for Interconnection (AI4IX) Program, backed by up to $30 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This initiative aims to accelerate the interconnection process for new energy generation projects by leveraging AI to streamline application reviews, identify deficiencies, and reduce delays. The program will foster partnerships between software developers, grid operators, and energy project developers to modernize interconnection processes and significantly shorten timelines for reviewing, approving, and commissioning new projects. For more information, read more here.
FERC Approves MISO and SPP Joint Targeted Interconnection Queue Process
On November 13th, FERC approved the Joint Targeted Interconnection Queue (JTIQ) process filings submitted by MISO and SPP. This decision enables $1.8 billion in critical transmission projects to move forward by implementing tariff and joint operating agreement changes. Under the approved process, incumbent transmission owners will oversee the construction of the project portfolio, with all initial JTIQ transmission costs allocated to interconnecting customers. For more details, view the full decision here.
NARUC Advocates for Federal Funding to Support Advanced Transmission Technologies
The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) has passed a resolution urging federal funding for advanced transmission technologies, including grid-enhancing technologies and high-performance conductors. The resolution stresses the importance of collaboration between the federal government, state regulators, and industry stakeholders to expand transmission capacity affordably and ensure grid reliability as electricity demand continues to rise.
NERC Files Interregional Transfer Capabilities Study with FERC
The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) filed its complete Interregional Transfer Capabilities Study (ITCS) with FERC, recommending a 30-35 GW increase in interregional power transfer capabilities. This recommendation aims to enhance grid resilience and reliability, addressing growing risks from extreme weather events and ensuring reliable power during high-demand scenarios. The study underscores the need for expanded transmission capacity to support grid stability across regions. For more details, read the full report here.
SPP Approves $7.7 Billion Transmission Expansion Plan
On October 29, the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) board of directors approved a $7.7 billion transmission expansion plan, encompassing 89 projects and covering 2,333 miles of new transmission lines and 495 miles of rebuilds. This 2024 Integrated Transmission Plan addresses the region's “generational challenges” of balancing increased power demand from sectors like data centers and crypto mining, while managing the retirement of conventional coal and natural gas resources.
The plan’s highlights include a major 765-kV line to connect Texas to New Mexico, and additional infrastructure to meet load growth in North and South Dakota. In response to recent extreme weather events, the plan also includes projects that strengthen system resilience by enhancing north-to-south power transfer capabilities and ensuring voltage stability during winter storms. SPP estimates these projects will pay for themselves within three years, with a benefit-cost ratio of at least 8-to-1, creating monthly savings of up to $11.47 for residential customers. For more details, read the full report here.
Federal Government Announces $10 Million to Advance Wholesale Electricity Markets
On November 20, DOE’s Grid Deployment Office, announced nearly $10 million in funding for six projects to enhance state and regional engagement in wholesale electricity markets. The funding, part of the Wholesale Electricity Market Studies and Engagement (WEMSE) Program, aims to modernize outdated market processes to ensure grid reliability, reduce costs, and support the transition to clean energy.
These projects will facilitate market improvements, such as enhancing reliability, reducing congestion, and optimizing interregional coordination, all without funding physical infrastructure. By fostering collaboration among state and regional operators, the WEMSE program ensures that the evolving energy grid meets modern demands while keeping electricity affordable and reliable for consumers. Learn more here.
