MISO (Midwestern regional grid operator) accelerates its interconnection queue processing to reduce time-to-grid for new power generation projects.

The Midcontinent Independent System Operator's proposal to accelerate its remaining legacy interconnection queue study—which includes approximately 71 GW of projects—has received widespread support from renewable energy developers and state utility regulators, according to filings submitted Monday at the agency.

Without the proposed changes, the Definitive Planning Phase–2022 interconnection study process faces delays of at least 18 months, which would affect other queue cycles, according to MISO. "Given the severe backlog in MISO's interconnection process and the halting progress to date in processing years-old interconnection requests, it is clear that bold action is needed if the region is going to achieve its target of a one-year interconnection cycle and return to reliance on the standard interconnection process as the pathway for fair and efficient resource entry," Advanced Energy United said in support of the proposal.

Like other grid operators, MISO has been working to improve its generator interconnection study processes and clear out pending queues amid growing electric demand forecasts. MISO currently operates under a three-part Definitive Planning Phase process that allows for what the operator describes as "endless" restudies in its final phase, affecting other queue cycles and creating uncertainty for project developers. Under existing rules, nonviable projects are incentivized to remain in the study process to avoid withdrawal penalties, potentially triggering late withdrawals that cascade into restudies delaying the entire queue.

MISO's Sept. 21 proposal to FERC addresses these issues through several measures. For the 2022 queue cycle specifically, projects could exit the interconnection queue penalty-free before Decision Point II, scheduled for Oct. 20. The proposal also raises the threshold for penalty-free exits later in the review process from 35% to 50% network upgrade cost increase. Additionally, MISO would limit the final interconnection study phase to no more than one restudy across all cycles. "These measures will accelerate the resolution of legacy queue congestion, provide greater cost certainty for interconnection customers, and prevent prolonged study timelines that have historically hindered interconnection customers from getting generation onto the Transmission System," MISO said. The agency requested FERC approval by Oct. 19.

The Organization of MISO States, representing state utility regulators, "tentatively" supports the proposal. "OMS believes this approach can materially accelerate the processing of legacy queue cycles while preserving MISO's responsibility to identify and address reliability concerns," the organization stated. Ameren and Alliant Energy also urged FERC approval. "The ability of stakeholders and MISO to reach consensus on practical solutions to address longstanding queue challenges should be encouraged, particularly where those solutions advance reliability and resource adequacy objectives while improving queue administration," Alliant said.

RWE Americas supported the proposal but flagged additional concerns, stating that further reforms are needed to address "the continuing exposure of projects that have executed Generation Interconnection Agreements to significant and potentially unpredictable cost reallocations resulting from subsequent project withdrawals."

At least one party registered opposition. Pathway Power, an independent power producer, protested the increased threshold for network upgrade cost withdrawals, arguing the proposal was developed by MISO and a limited group of stakeholders—Clearway Energy Group, NextEra Energy Resources and EDP Renewables—with only 10 days for public comment. "The proposal shifts financial risk to customers remaining in the queue and away from MISO, which, if the proposal is accepted, will have diminished incentive to provide accurate cost estimates going forward," Pathway Power said.