Cozzy Energy Solutions

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3 weeks ago

AI’s Power Surge: How PJM is Rewriting the Grid Rules - Cozzy Energy Solutions PJM Interconnection is revising its guidelines for behind-the-meter power, a significant adjustment necessitated by the increasing electricity demand from AI-scale data centers, which exceeds the capabilities of the current regulatory framework. For years, PJM’s rules allowed customers with onsite generation to “net” their load, reducing demand counted for transmission charges. This framework, established in 2004,

AI's Power Surge: How PJM is Rewriting the Grid Rules #PJM #DataCenters #GridModernization #AIinfrastructure #EnergyTransition #TransmissionPlanning

Citizen Portal News Connecticut

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1 month ago

Efficiency Standards, Transmission Oversight and Bill Redesign Draw Attention in Committee Witnesses urged the committee to preserve appliance efficiency standards (HB 5248), give the Connecticut Siting Council more forward‑looking transmission authority, and study residential bill redesign (SB 243) to increase transparency about what drives rates.

Connecticut advocates are pushing for stronger energy efficiency standards and clearer billing practices that could reshape your electric bill—are you ready for the changes?

Learn more here

#CT #ResidentialBilling #CitizenPortal #TransmissionPlanning #EnergyEfficiency

Cozzy Energy Solutions

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1 month ago

California’s Grid: Reliability Takes Center Stage - Cozzy Energy Solutions California’s grid operator, the California Independent System Operator (CAISO), has released a report detailing a revised strategy emphasizing transmission reliability, a move undertaken in preparation for a new Western regional organization. The report, submitted to the governor and legislature on February 1st, fulfills a requirement of Assembly Bill 825, signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom. This

California's Grid: Reliability Takes Center Stage #CAISO #CaliforniaGrid #RenewableEnergy #TransmissionPlanning #EnergyTransition #GridReliability

Cozzy Energy Solutions

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1 month ago

Transmission Planning: Uneven Progress Across the US - Cozzy Energy Solutions Report Highlights Uneven Progress in US Transmission Planning A new report released Tuesday by Americans for a Clean Energy Grid indicates improvements in transmission planning and development across most of the United States, largely attributed to new federal planning requirements. However, significant disparities remain, with Texas receiving a “D-” and the Southeast continuing to receive

Transmission Planning: Uneven Progress Across the US #ISONE #TransmissionPlanning #CleanEnergyGrid #FERCOrder1920 #GridModernization #EnergyDemand

Cozzy Energy Solutions

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2 months ago

MISO Assessment Paused Amid Regulatory Concerns - Cozzy Energy Solutions Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) has put on hold a planned assessment focused on future planning, prompted by concerns raised by state regulators. The assessment, initially designed to rely on data submitted by MISO’s member companies, was intended to inform transmission planning, resource adequacy evaluations, and load forecasting. The initiative was known as the OMS-MISO

MISO Assessment Paused Amid Regulatory Concerns #MISO #MISO #TransmissionPlanning #EnergyGrid #ResourceAdequacy #ExtremeWeather

Cozzy Energy Solutions

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2 months ago

MISO Study Sparks Stakeholder Concerns - Cozzy Energy Solutions MISO stakeholders have voiced reservations regarding a recent extreme events study, suggesting it may highlight a critical issue needing further evaluation. The assessment, completed during the 2025 transmission planning cycle, is prompting calls for closer examination. Concerns were raised during a recent MISO Planning Subcommittee meeting. The study’s findings are related to MISO’s Reliability Transmission

MISO Study Sparks Stakeholder Concerns #MISO #MISO #GridReliability #TransmissionPlanning #EnergyInfrastructure #ExtremeWeather

Citizen Portal News New Hampshire

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2 months ago

ISO New England tells committee queue reforms cut speculative projects; transmission RFPs, capacity market changes forthcoming ISO New England briefed the committee on interconnection queue reforms (shift to cluster studies, higher entry requirements) that reduced the queue from ~37,000 MW to ~14,000 MW, a regional LTTP RFP to access resources in northern Maine, and proposed capacity‑market changes including a prompt auction and seasonal auctions.

ISO New England's recent reforms have dramatically cut the interconnection queue from 37,000 MW to just 14,000 MW, streamlining the process and paving the way for more reliable energy projects.

Read the full story

#NH #TransmissionPlanning #EnergyReform #NewHampshireEnergy #CitizenPortal

ISO New England

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2 months ago

ISO New England pursuing major projects in 2026 - ISO Newswire In the year ahead, the ISO will continue innovative efforts around market design, transmission planning, consumer engagement, and more.

In the year ahead, the ISO will continue innovative efforts around market design, transmission planning, consumer engagement, and more.

Get the details: https://bit.ly/4stLOke

#ISONewengland #TransmissionPlanning #ElectricityMarkets

Cozzy Energy Solutions

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4 months ago

MISO Seeks Approval from FERC for Joint Planning Agreement with Associated Electric Cooperative Inc. The Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) is seeking approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for a joint planning agreement with Associated Electric Cooperative Inc. (AECI), marking MISO's first such agreement with a seams partner, to formalize their coordination procedures and enhance transparency in transmission system studies and interconnection requests, aligning AECI's processes with MISO's interconnection queue processes.

MISO Seeks Approval from FERC for Joint Planning Agreement with Associated Electric Cooperative Inc. #PJM #FERC #MISO #JPA #TransmissionPlanning #InterconnectionQueue

Cozzy Energy Solutions

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5 months ago

FERC Mandates Enhanced Evaluation of Merchant Transmission Projects in MISO Planning The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has directed Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) to revise its transmission planning processes to ensure a more transparent and equitable evaluation of merchant transmission projects, which are developed by entities outside of MISO itself. The goal is to address concerns that MISO's current approach may not adequately recognize the advantages of privately developed transmission lines and upgrades, resulting in potential overstatement of costs and understatement of benefits. This shift is expected to encourage greater private investment, improve grid reliability and resilience, and facilitate the introduction of innovative transmission technologies, ultimately benefiting both public and private stakeholders.

FERC Mandates Enhanced Evaluation of Merchant Transmission Projects in MISO Planning #MISO #MISO #FERC #TransmissionPlanning #Electricity #Regulation

Cozzy Energy Solutions

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5 months ago

FERC Directs MISO to Establish Guidelines for Integrating Merchant HVDC Transmission Projects into Transmission Planning Models The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has directed Midcontinent grid operator MISO to develop clear guidelines for integrating merchant high-voltage direct-current transmission projects into its transmission planning models, following a complaint from Invenergy Transmission regarding the handling of the Grain Belt Express project. The FERC decision aims to promote cost savings and reliability through interregional transmission initiatives, emphasizing the importance of including advanced-stage merchant transmission projects in planning analyses, particularly as energy demand surges due to factors such as artificial intelligence, to ensure that the value of these projects is accurately reflected in ratepayer costs.

FERC Directs MISO to Establish Guidelines for Integrating Merchant HVDC Transmission Projects into Transmission Planning Models #MISO #HVDC #TransmissionPlanning #FERC #GridReliability #EnergyEfficiency

Cozzy Energy Solutions

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6 months ago

PJM's Proposed Data Center Interconnection Plan Faces Widespread Opposition PJM's proposed "NCBL" (New Connection Baseline) plan to accelerate data center interconnections has sparked widespread opposition from stakeholders who fear it will distort the market and compromise grid reliability. The plan aims to establish a baseline interconnection process for pre-approved data center designs, but critics argue that it would unfairly prioritize large energy consumers like data centers, potentially leading to cost shifts and compromised grid stability, ultimately affecting not only those generators but also grid users at large.

PJM's Proposed Data Center Interconnection Plan Faces Widespread Opposition #PJM #DataCenter #GridReliability #MarketDistortion #TransmissionPlanning #NCBL

Cozzy Energy Solutions

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6 months ago

PJM Interconnection Faces Complex Set of Hurdles in Turbulent Energy Market The PJM Interconnection is facing a complex set of challenges as it struggles to balance energy supply and demand amidst rising costs and tightening energy supplies nationwide. The unique structure of the wholesale market, comprising 13 states with diverse energy policies, has created difficulties in building new generation resources, leading to increased reliance on costly curtailment strategies and measures to manage growing data center development.

PJM Interconnection Faces Complex Set of Hurdles in Turbulent Energy Market #PJM #EnergyMarket #DataCenterDevelopment #GridIntegration #TransmissionPlanning #CapacityMarket

Cozzy Energy Solutions

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8 months ago

FERC Rejects MISO Petition on Market Monitor's Transmission Planning Authority A recent dispute between the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has resulted in a decisive ruling that underscores the importance of independent oversight in regional grid planning. In its petition to curtail the authority of its market monitor, Potomac Economics, MISO sought to limit the involvement of the monitor in transmission planning processes, citing concerns about overreach and operational expertise. However, FERC rejected MISO's petition, affirming the continued role of Potomac Economics as a critical component in ensuring grid reliability and cost efficiency through independent oversight.

FERC Rejects MISO Petition on Market Monitor's Transmission Planning Authority #MISO #FERC #MISO #MarketMonitor #TransmissionPlanning #RegulatoryCompliance

Cozzy Energy Solutions

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8 months ago

FERC Commissioner Willie Phillips Ramps Up Efforts to Address Grid Interconnection Challenges FERC Commissioner Willie Phillips recently addressed the WIRES conference, raising serious concerns about the current state of grid interconnection and transmission planning. A key issue identified is a significant misalignment between these processes, leading to bottlenecks, project delays, and potential impacts on competitive electricity markets. This disconnect is hindering the transition to cleaner energy sources and increasing overall costs. A major challenge is the substantial backlog of interconnection requests, largely driven by renewable energy projects. The protracted timelines for completing grid impact studies are significantly contributing to this backlog. Furthermore, the allocation of costs associated with necessary grid upgrades to accommodate new generation remains a complex and often contentious subject. Phillips also pointed to shortcomings in transmission planning, stressing the need for a more forward-looking and proactive approach, rather than simply reacting to individual project requests. Enhanced regional coordination is crucial for effective transmission upgrades across broader areas. A shift toward dynamic system assessment, which simulates various grid scenarios, was also advocated to improve planning accuracy. To address these challenges, FERC is actively pursuing reforms, including a review of interconnection procedures, streamlining grid study processes, and examining cost allocation methods. Collaboration among FERC, utilities, developers, and other stakeholders is deemed essential. The adoption of Grid Enhancing Technologies (GETs) to bolster grid capacity and flexibility was promoted as a viable alternative to extensive infrastructure construction. Future needs must be considered during planning. Phillips acknowledged that both utilities and FERC are facing limitations in staffing and resources, which are compounding the existing problems. Ultimately, Phillips' remarks served as a call to action, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated efforts to safeguard the reliability and competitiveness of the nation’s electricity grid.

FERC Commissioner Willie Phillips Ramps Up Efforts to Address Grid Interconnection Challenges #PJM #EnergyGrid #RenewableSources #TransmissionPlanning #GridInterconnection #FERCReforms

Cozzy Energy Solutions

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9 months ago

New Jersey Joins Eight Other States in Transmission Project Bid New Jersey’s Board of Public Utilities has partnered with eight other Northeast states to solicit proposals for transmission projects aimed at bolstering grid dependability, fostering economic expansion, and lowering consumer costs. This initiative, spearheaded by the Northeast States Collaborative on Interregional Transmission, was established in 2023 to address shortcomings in current interregional transmission planning. NJBPU President Christine Guhl-Sadovy emphasized the potential for reduced costs and enhanced energy system security through improved electricity flow between regions. The timing of this request aligns with New Jersey residents receiving their initial summer electrical bills, which reflect increased energy expenses. Following a memorandum of understanding signed last year to guide collaborative efforts, this RFI represents a crucial step forward. The collaborative has consulted with federal agencies and technical experts to pinpoint areas of mutual focus for interregional transmission cooperation. A strategic action plan, released in April 2025, details concrete measures for state, regional, and federal leaders to pursue interregional transmission solutions and drive down consumer costs while enhancing energy system resilience. The plan prioritizes streamlining interregional transmission planning across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic grid regions and highlights the importance of standardizing transmission equipment to minimize development costs.

New Jersey Joins Eight Other States in Transmission Project Bid #ISONE #NortheastTransmission #EnergyGrid #ElectricityFlow #StateCollaboration #TransmissionPlanning

Citizen Portal News California

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9 months ago

California Energy Leaders Address Transmission Challenges and Resource Diversity Energy sector leaders discuss improvements and challenges in California's transmission development.

California's energy future hangs in the balance as lawmakers tackle the complex challenges of integrating renewable resources and the urgent demand for sustainable solutions.

Click to read more!

#CA #CitizenPortal #CommunityEngagement #RenewableEnergy #TransmissionPlanning

Cozzy Energy Solutions

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9 months ago

Addressing Louisiana's Grid Vulnerability: A Path Forward Addressing Louisiana's Grid Vulnerability: A Path Forward Recent power outages impacting tens of thousands of Louisianans underscore a critical need for improvements to the state's power grid. These events stem from a systemic lack of transmission planning and investment, a situation that demands immediate and sustained action. This outlines steps for the New Orleans City Council and the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC) to address these vulnerabilities, categorized by timeframe and responsibility. **Immediate Actions (Within 3-6 Months)** A crucial first step involves transparency and accountability. The City Council and LPSC must formally request a detailed explanation from Entergy, the primary utility, and the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), the regional grid operator, regarding the causes of the recent outages. This explanation must extend beyond superficial accounts, including technical data, load forecasts, and contingency plans. Simultaneously, a review of existing emergency response procedures is essential, assessing notification speed, resource deployment effectiveness, and support for vulnerable populations. To proactively prepare residents, the City Council should launch a public awareness campaign focused on outage preparedness, energy conservation, and reporting issues. **Medium-Term Actions (6-18 Months)** The LPSC must commission an independent, comprehensive assessment of grid vulnerability, distinct from any assessment commissioned by Entergy. This assessment should critically examine infrastructure and incorporate the potential impacts of climate change, such as increased heat and severe storms. To ensure grid reliability, the LPSC needs to strengthen its regulatory oversight of Entergy, actively reviewing investment plans and long-term strategies. The LPSC must be prepared to reject plans deemed inadequate for addressing projected load growth and climate change impacts, and consider incorporating grid reliability and resilience performance metrics into Entergy’s rate-setting process. Community engagement is vital; the City Council and LPSC should create forums for resident and business input on grid planning. Furthermore, incentivizing the development of local microgrids and distributed energy resources, such as solar plus storage, for critical facilities and neighborhoods, can enhance redundancy and reduce reliance on the central grid. **Long-Term Actions (18+ Months)** A long-term solution requires a regional approach. The LPSC and state government should collaborate on developing a regional transmission plan addressing broader grid reliability issues within the MISO region, recognizing Louisiana's role as a net energy exporter. To facilitate modernization, state government and the LPSC should implement policies that incentivize investments in technologies like smart meters and dynamic line rating, while streamlining permitting processes for renewable energy projects. Establishing minimum grid resilience standards, publicly benchmarking Entergy's performance, and investing in workforce development for the energy sector are also crucial for long-term stability. **Overarching Considerations:** Successful implementation necessitates dedicated funding, a sustained commitment from political leaders, and a focus on equitable solutions that prioritize vulnerable communities. Addressing the concerns of a powerful utility like Entergy will require persistent effort and a willingness to challenge the status quo. To refine these recommendations further, understanding the specific regulatory landscape in Louisiana and the key political dynamics influencing decisions would be valuable.

Addressing Louisiana's Grid Vulnerability: A Path Forward #MISO #EnergySecurity #LouisianaGrid #TransmissionPlanning #ClimateResilience #PowerOutagePrevention

Cozzy Energy Solutions

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9 months ago

California Can Harness Experience of Other States to Tackle Electrical Grid Challenges California’s electrical grid faces mounting pressures from climate change impacts like extreme heat and wildfires, the increasing need for renewable energy sources, and rising electricity demand. The current system struggles to effectively and affordably manage these challenges. A potential solution, explored through the experiences of other states, lies in establishing a State Transmission Authority (STA). The existing, heavily regulated, planning process is often slow and creates bottlenecks, hindering progress. States that have implemented STAs have demonstrated more efficient pathways for expanding and modernizing transmission infrastructure. New Mexico has pioneered a stakeholder-driven process of developing transmission roadmaps, fostering collaboration and consensus to expedite project development. Colorado has taken a broader, proactive stance, aiming to address system-wide grid needs rather than simply reacting to individual renewable energy projects. Their experience highlights the potential for coordinated planning across utilities and regions. Adopting a similar approach in California could yield significant benefits. An STA could drastically reduce the time required to secure approvals for new transmission lines, leading to lower overall costs and a more resilient grid capable of handling extreme weather and fluctuating renewable energy output. This enhanced infrastructure would also facilitate the integration of greater amounts of renewable energy and promote regional coordination within the Western United States. Relevant California legislation includes SB 1010, which aimed to create a statewide, independent transmission planning authority, and AB 41, part of a larger effort to reform the state's electricity sector. Key recommendations for California include fully implementing SB 1010, accelerating the planning process for new lines, prioritizing regional coordination with other states, adopting holistic planning approaches, maintaining stakeholder engagement, and recognizing the long-term investment required for a resilient and clean grid.

California Can Harness Experience of Other States to Tackle Electrical Grid Challenges #CAISO #CaliforniaGrid #StakeholderDriven #TransmissionPlanning #RenewableEnergyIntegration #WesternUSCoordination

Cozzy Energy Solutions

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10 months ago

Louisiana Faces Recurring Power Challenges as Grid Struggles to Meet Peak Demand Louisiana faces recurring power challenges, highlighted by a recent Memorial Day weekend event where MISO directed Entergy and Cleco to curtail power for over 100,000 customers. The Alliance for Affordable Energy emphasizes that the 600-megawatt reduction, significant given New Orleans’ peak demand of 1100 megawatts, stemmed from a grid already short 4,500 megawatts due to maintenance and unexpected shutdowns at power plants. MISO attributes these curtailments to insufficient power generation during unusually high temperatures. Advocates argue inadequate transmission planning is a contributing factor, suggesting that improved infrastructure connecting Louisiana to neighboring states like Mississippi, Texas, and Arkansas would enable power sharing during emergencies. A key impediment was a transmission line from Mississippi to Louisiana being out of service following a March tornado. The Alliance for Affordable Energy urges the New Orleans City Council and public service commissioners to prioritize upgrading and reinforcing transmission infrastructure to mitigate future brownouts, criticizing decades of what they see as neglected long-term planning. Representatives from MISO and utility officials have declined interviews prior to Tuesday’s city council meeting, scheduled for 10 a.m. A potential short-term solution lies with the Community Lighthouse project, launched after Hurricane Ida, which utilizes solar-powered facilities in churches and community centers. Organizers are seeking city council approval to utilize the lighthouses' battery storage to feed power back into the grid, potentially stabilizing the system and expanding power access during outages, with a hope for full grid stabilization by next year.

Louisiana Faces Recurring Power Challenges as Grid Struggles to Meet Peak Demand #MISO #PowerOutage #LouisianaGrid #TransmissionPlanning #SolarEnergy #GridStabilization

Cozzy Energy Solutions

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10 months ago

Nine Northeastern States Team Up to Speed Up Clean Energy Transmission Nine Northeastern states are joining forces to expedite clean energy transmission and overcome delays in the current grid system. Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont have introduced the Strategic Action Plan on Interregional Transmission. This initiative aims to establish a framework for coordinated interstate electric grid expansion, addressing long-standing issues with grid operators like PJM Interconnection. The current electric grid infrastructure wasn’t built to efficiently transport clean energy across state lines, hindering progress towards renewable energy targets. Existing systems often prioritize the needs of established utilities, creating barriers for states with aggressive emission reduction goals, such as Maryland and New Jersey. The new plan prioritizes public benefit, proposing standardized equipment, joint procurement, and a unified request for transmission projects aligned with climate mandates. By taking the lead on transmission planning, these states hope to accelerate project development, lower consumer costs, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The collaboration underscores the importance of state-driven action in achieving clean energy goals and addressing the growing backlog of renewable energy projects awaiting approval.

Nine Northeastern States Team Up to Speed Up Clean Energy Transmission #PJM #CleanEnergy #GridExpansion #TransmissionPlanning #EmissionsReduction #RenewableProjects

Cozzy Energy Solutions

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11 months ago

Northeast States Collaborative Unveils Strategic Action Plan to Enhance Energy Security and Lower Costs Across 9 New England States The Northeast States Collaborative has released a strategic action plan designed to enhance energy security and lower costs for consumers across New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. This plan details actionable steps for state, regional, and federal entities to improve interregional transmission planning. The collaborative, formed through a memorandum of understanding last summer, aims to address current gaps in transmission planning processes and foster grid reliability, economic growth, and cost reduction. Connecticut officials highlight the plan's potential to facilitate cleaner, more efficient, and competitive power options for the region. New Jersey emphasizes efforts to pinpoint and implement transmission solutions that benefit ratepayers and strengthen reliability. The comprehensive 50-page document, developed with support from The Brattle Group, outlines both Near-Term Actions (within a year) and Mid-Term Actions (over several years), focusing on three grid planning regions. Initial steps include soliciting information on potential transmission projects with reliability and cost-saving benefits, along with initiatives to standardize transmission equipment. Maine's Energy Office notes that collaborative transmission planning can unlock more affordable energy options. NYSERDA anticipates reduced energy costs for New Yorkers, increased system redundancy, and the ability to efficiently move resources across the grid. Maryland’s Energy Administration projects savings for residents by decreasing the need for new power plant construction. Massachusetts officials concur that regional collaboration will lead to more affordable electricity, while Rhode Island highlights the importance of improved transmission for lowering long-term costs, bolstering reliability, and achieving energy goals. Vermont sees the plan as complementary to existing regional initiatives and supports in-state renewable energy development. The collaborative initially formed in 2023 following a request to the U.S. Department of Energy to establish the Northeast States Collaborative on Interregional Transmission. Since then, it has worked with federal agencies and experts to identify key areas for interregional cooperation, with the strategic action plan marking a crucial step toward removing barriers and maximizing benefits for consumers and grid stability.

Northeast States Collaborative Unveils Strategic Action Plan to Enhance Energy Security and Lower Costs Across 9 New England States #ISONE #EnergySecurity #NewEnglandStates #Collaboration #TransmissionPlanning #GridReliability

Cozzy Energy Solutions

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11 months ago

Southeastern Transmission Planning Region Needs Forward-Thinking Approach to Regional Transmission Planning A recent report by the consulting firm Brattle, commissioned by clean energy organizations, underscores the need for a more forward-thinking approach to regional transmission planning within the Southeastern Transmission Planning (SERTP) region. Over the past five years, investments in localized transmission upgrades have quadrupled, a trend expected to persist with ongoing increases in electricity demand. SERTP, responsible for regional transmission planning under the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), has historically approached the issue by simply combining individual utility transmission plans and comparing the cost of regional projects to the sum of local ones, over a short timeframe. This method fails to account for the broader potential of regional projects to offset local needs or realize other benefits. This restrictive evaluation, coupled with utility resource plans prioritizing local generation and transmission, has resulted in SERTP never recommending a regional project in the last decade. Consequently, utilities have been spending $1.8 billion annually on local transmission upgrades since 2019, significantly more than the $500 million spent in the early 2000s. This “bottom-up” approach, characterized by piecemeal construction of generation and transmission, overlooks the advantages of a long-term regional plan. Notably, SERTP’s current process doesn’s require a positive benefit-to-cost ratio, unlike proactive transmission planning. These findings align with those from a 2024 report by RMI, which pointed out that regional projects are often assessed only against previously identified local needs. Forecasting substantial increases in electricity demand – specifically, Georgia Power, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), and Duke Energy projecting 21 GW of new load by 2035 – suggests that locally-focused transmission will become increasingly inefficient and financially burdensome for consumers. Brattle’s analysis, utilizing a comprehensive set of benefits when evaluating proposed transmission lines between Georgia Power, TVA, and Duke Energy, demonstrates the potential for cost-effectiveness through regional planning. These benefits include lower electricity production costs, reduced interconnection expenses for new generation sources, and savings on customer bills. For comparison, proactive regional transmission projects managed by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) have yielded benefit-to-cost ratios ranging from 1.8 to 3.5. To facilitate improvements, Brattle recommends increased involvement from state utility commissions, the primary regulators of utilities, within SERTP. Currently, commissioner attendance at SERTP meetings has been minimal. The Regional State Committee (RSC) at the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) serves as a successful model for commissioner oversight, possessing the authority to submit tariff modifications to FERC. A similar structure should be a priority for enhancing state commission oversight of SERTP. Commissioners and staff are also encouraged to participate in upcoming SERTP Order 1920 (April 8) and Order 1000 (June 25) meetings.

Southeastern Transmission Planning Region Needs Forward-Thinking Approach to Regional Transmission Planning #MISO #SERTP #RegionalPlanning #TransmissionPlanning #ElectricityDemand #FERC

Citizen Portal News Colorado

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11 months ago

Olteg hosts Electric Transmission Analysis workshop with PUC and Public Service leaders Experts discuss foundational concepts of transmission planning in a two-hour workshop.

Key stakeholders gathered in Colorado to unravel the complexities of electric transmission planning, a vital step towards a sustainable energy future.

Learn more here!

#CO #GridReliability #CitizenPortal #TransmissionPlanning #RenewableEnergy

Cozzy Energy Solutions

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1 year ago

Load Flexibility as a Near-Term Solution to Handle Growing Electricity Demand from Data Centers and Large Commercial Customers. - Cozzy Energy Solutions Load Flexibility as a Near-Term Solution to Handle Growing Electricity Demand from Data Centers and Large Commercial Customers. The concept of load flexibility has emerged as a crucial solution to handle the increasing electricity demand in the US, particularly from data centers and other large commercial customers. A recent study published by Duke University's Nicholas Institute for Energy & Environment aimed to assess whether load flexibility can be employed to stabilize the grid amidst growing loads and grid constraints. The key findings of the study revealed that load factors during winter were lower than those during summer months, indicating a higher demand during short periods of hours, typically during extreme weather events or peak seasons. This suggests that load flexibility is vital in stabilizing the grid while accommodating increasing loads from data centers and other large commercial customers. One of the crucial aspects highlighted by the study is the importance of considering load flexibility in system planning processes, such as interconnection studies, to accommodate new loads more effectively. Existing demand response programs are effective but have limitations, particularly when treating participating loads as firm loads for resource adequacy planning and interconnection studies. The researchers emphasized the need for a more sophisticated approach to system planning that takes into account the potential for load flexibility and its benefits in managing grid constraints. Early consideration of load profiles and their capabilities is necessary to develop transmission studies and capacity expansion plans that can accommodate new loads effectively. According to the study, demand from large commercial customers, including data centers, will be responsible for much of the growing electricity demand over the next 10 years. Load flexibility can help mitigate this by allowing utilities to scale back demand during certain periods of the year. Future research directions include further investigation into load flexibility and its benefits in various market structures, as well as developing more sophisticated system planning approaches that incorporate load flexibility and its implications for grid management and operation.

Load Flexibility as a Near-Term Solution to Handle Growing Electricity Demand from Data Centers and Large Commercial Customers. #MISO #DataCenters #ElectricityDemand #LoadFlexibility #GridStability #TransmissionPlanning

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1 year ago

Collaborative Efforts to Enhance Grid Resilience and Reliability Are Key to Addressing Critical Transmission Challenges - Cozzy Energy Solutions Collaborative Efforts to Enhance Grid Resilience and Reliability The Eastern Interconnection Planning Collaborative (EIPC) has submitted comments to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regarding the North American Electric Reliability Corporation's (NERC) Interregional Transfer Capability Study. In its submission, EIPC has expressed both concerns and recognition of NERC's efforts in addressing this critical issue. While acknowledging the importance of regional differences, EIPC emphasizes the need for a standardized approach to measuring interregional transfer capability. The organization proposes developing consistent metrics that consider not only the identified need but also the cost-benefit analysis and feasibility of proposed projects. This will enable more informed decision-making and facilitate the development of strategic plans to enhance grid resilience and reliability. EIPC also emphasizes the crucial role of planning authorities in undertaking future studies, recommending a coordinated effort between transmission planners, states, and stakeholders. The organization suggests that EIPC could serve as a coordinating role in this process. By working together, federal agencies, state regulators, policymakers, and other stakeholders can leverage the expertise of transmission planners to develop consistent metrics for quantifying transfer capability. The next steps outlined by EIPC involve collaboration between FERC, state regulators, policymakers, and stakeholders to drive actions that increase system resilience and reliability while reducing costs. This comprehensive approach will ensure that future projects are informed by a thorough understanding of regional differences and the specific needs of each area. By combining expertise and knowledge, EIPC is confident that this collaborative effort can lead to more effective solutions for enhancing grid stability. EIPC stands ready to provide technical assistance to federal and state policymakers in support of this initiative, demonstrating its commitment to contributing to the development of a more resilient and reliable energy infrastructure in the Eastern Interconnection.

Collaborative Efforts to Enhance Grid Resilience and Reliability Are Key to Addressing Critical Transmission Challenges #PJM #GridResilience #ReliabilityMatters #EnergyInfrastructure #CollaborationWorks #StabilitySolutions #RegionalCoordination #TransmissionPlanning