Aspiring Generation Projects Advance Through a New NYISO Interconnection Process

The NYISO recently commenced a new, transitional “Cluster Study” expediting the interconnection study process for developers consistent with regulatory reforms by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) under Order 2023.

The interconnection process requires significant coordination between utilities, developers, and state and local governments. NYISO leads this process, ensuring that projects can connect to the grid without harming the system or imposing undue costs on consumers to upgrade the electric system.

Overall, key improvements include:

Feasibility Screen

The cluster study process also includes a customer engagement window that includes a “physical infeasibility screen” to determine early on whether there are any known issues preventing a project from feasibly connected to the grid at that location.

New Cluster Study Approach

The NYISO has transformed its study process into a two-phase “cluster approach” to evaluate a large group of interconnection requests collectively rather than individually, saving time and workload for developers, utilities and NYISO staff. The timeframes set by the new cluster study process represent a significant reduction in steps from its prior procedure.

Process Changes to Speed Study Time

The cluster study approach limits the number of “mid-stream” project modifications and opportunities for developers to cure deficiencies during the interconnection process to help speed timelines and avoid the possibility of one project creating delays for other projects looking to move forward within the cluster.

• The two-phase study includes several decision periods with commercial readiness deposits and withdrawal penalties, to incentivize uncertain projects to exit the queue early.
• The study process includes firm tariff-mandated study deadlines for work performed by the NYISO and Transmission Owners and tariff consequences for missed deadlines.
• The two-phase study aligns the treatment of generating facilities 20 MW or smaller with the overall process, incorporating all generation facilities into a single, standardized process.
• The new rules provide for additional pro forma forms and agreements to expedite the interconnection process, the negotiation of required agreements, and the construction of required upgrades.

A New Interconnection Portal

The interconnection portal is a digital platform where developers and utilities submit and gain information on pending interconnection proposals and applications. The NYISO has made several improvements to the interconnection portal to enhance the user experience and streamline the process. These improvements include:

• Streamlined Inquiry Submissions: The portal now offers a more streamlined process for submitting inquiries, making it easier for users to request information and assistance.
• Enhanced Transparency: The portal provides improved transparency of project progress and status, which helps parties stay informed about developments during the study process.
• On-Demand Access: Users have on-demand access to common interconnection questions, which provides immediate answers to frequently asked questions and reduces the need for direct contact.
• Ongoing Technology Improvements: NYISO has held numerous customer focus groups with developers since 2023 to identify areas for improvement in the portal. NYISO continues to engage with customer focus groups and other stakeholders to discuss and develop additional portal functionality.

These steps demonstrate NYISO’s deep commitment to improving the efficient integration of new generation projects onto the grid.