2024 Generator Interconnection Scorecard Released
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The 2024 Advanced Energy United Generator Interconnection Scorecard has just been published. The first-time scorecard aims to assess the generator interconnection process of each of the 7 regional transmission system operators.
It’s a timely report, as there is a backlog of (as of the time of this writing) of more than 2 million MW of generation and storage projects trying to connect to the grid.
Highlights of the 2024 Generator Interconnection Scorecard
The report concludes that the connection backlog is due to “grid interconnection processes that observers have characterized as dysfunctional.” The various processes are different from region to region, and their general inefficiency has resulted in massive delays and an increasing level of scrutiny the last few years. The slowness represents a key reliability risk.
The 2 regions that scored best are Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) and the California Independent System Operator (CAISO), both of which earned a B. The reason is that compared to others on the list, ERCOT and CAISO were found to have relatively fast and stable interconnection processes.
On the other side of the coin, the scorecard ranked PJM Interconnection (PJM) and Independent System Operator of New England (ISO-NE) as the worst in terms of their interconnection processes, earning a D- and D+, respectively.
Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), New York Independent System Operator (NYISO), and Southwest Power Pool (SPP) were middle of the pack, each of which earned a C-.
Click the link above if you’re interested in the details – the free report is 71 pages long. An important caveat the report mentions is that the scorecard does not account for the process improvements most of the regions are currently working on (in response to stakeholder concerns and FERC Order No. 2023). It’s simply a snapshot of existing conditions.
Obviously, the various regional generator interconnection processes all need improvement in order to maximize long-term reliability, which is turn would help from an emergency preparedness standpoint. And this scorecard is a great tool for understanding exactly what needs to be improved or revamped.
