FERC has taken a significant stride in modernising the US's transmission grid, paving the way for the integration of new energy resources. This historic move involves streamlining the interconnection process for transmission providers, granting interconnection customers greater certainty regarding timing and costs, and preventing unfair discrimination against emerging power generation sources.
The final rule encompasses several crucial reforms. Firstly, it introduces a first-ready-first-served cluster study process, complemented by increased financial commitments for interconnection customers, to enhance process efficiency and minimize delays. Secondly, it establishes firm deadlines and penalties for transmission providers failing to complete their interconnection studies on time, incentivising timely completion. Thirdly, the rule incorporates the latest technological advancements, ensuring that advanced transmission technologies are considered during the interconnection study process. Lastly, it updates modelling and performance requirements for inverter-based resources to maintain the overall system reliability. With these reforms in place, the US's transmission grid is on a path toward a more resilient and accommodating infrastructure that can seamlessly integrate diverse and sustainable energy sources.
