SPP's Markets + Tariff Moves Forward with Conditions
On January 16, the Southwest Power Pool's (SPP) Markets+ Tariff was approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), a step toward establishing a centralized day-ahead and real-time market in the Western Interconnection. The initiative aims to enhance regional coordination, improve market efficiency, and support system reliability. As part of its approval, FERC has required SPP to submit a compliance filing within 30 days and provide informational updates every six months throughout the implementation period and for three years after the market launch to ensure effective execution and stakeholder engagement. Read the Order.
MISO's Order No. 2222 Compliance Moves Forward
On January 16, FERC accepted the Midcontinent Independent System Operator's (MISO) compliance filing for Order No. 2222, which sets rules for distributed energy resources (DERs)—such as battery storage, rooftop solar, and demand response—to participate in wholesale electricity markets. The integration of DERs is seen as an opportunity to increase grid flexibility and efficiency. While FERC approved MISO's approach, it has directed further refinements and requested additional compliance filings within 60 and 180 days to ensure a structured and effective implementation process. These refinements will focus on market participation, transparency, and interconnection procedures. Read the Order.
New Report Explores Pathways for Expanding Interregional Transmission
On January 16, the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) released a new report, Planning and Development Pathways to Interregional Transmission, as part of the National Transmission Planning (NTP) Study led by the U.S. Department of Energy's Grid Deployment Office. The report examines barriers to interregional transmission development and explores solutions to improve planning coordination, streamline permitting, and optimize infrastructure investments to enhance grid reliability and support decarbonization. Rather than recommending a single approach, it outlines policy, market, and technological pathways for stakeholders across government and industry to advance transmission expansion. As grid modernization efforts continue, this report provides valuable insights for policymakers and planners working to strengthen the nation's energy infrastructure. Learn more.
Maryland
On December 31, the Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG) submitted an application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) to the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) for the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project (MPRP). Following the submission, the PSC will initiate a proceeding to evaluate the application.
On January 8, 2025, Delegate Lorig Charkoudian of Maryland introduced House Bill 121, known as the Utility Transparency and Accountability Act. This legislation aims to ensure that PJM plays a critical role in expanding energy generation and transmission capacity to meet the growing energy demands of the PJM region. By strengthening PJM’s accountability and involvement in transmission planning, the bill seeks to support a more reliable, transparent, and efficient grid for the region.
New Mexico
On January 14, Representative Kristina Ortez introduced House Bill 93. This legislation creates a requirement for utilities to include Advanced Transmission Technologies (ATTs), such as Advanced Conductors and Grid Enhancing Technologies, in their planning process – and allows those utilities to seek cost recovery for planned ATT projects.
New York
On January 6, the New York Power Authority (NYPA) filed a petition with the New York Public Service Commission (PSC) to designate the Clean Path New York (CPNY) project as a Priority Transmission Project (PTP) under the Accelerated Renewable Energy Growth and Community Benefit Act. The $11 billion Clean Path NY initiative includes a 178-mile high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission line designed to deliver 3.8 GW of renewable energy from solar and wind projects in upstate New York to New York City. The bidirectional line would also enable offshore wind energy to serve upstate customers when needed, supporting grid reliability and advancing the state's climate goals.
The petition follows the termination of a contract with NYSERDA in November 2024, raising concerns about the project's future. NYPA's request for PTP designation aims to expedite the transmission component of CPNY, while plans for renewable generation remain uncertain. NYPA emphasizes the project's importance in achieving New York's Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) goals and ensuring grid reliability in New York City. For more information, read the full article here.
