SPP just won FERC approval for a fast-track process that lets power plants add up to 20% more capacity. (Utility Dive)
The temporary “priority process” applies only to shovel-ready expansions at existing sites. Developers must have financing locked, major equipment ordered, and a plan to be online within 5 years—and they must pay the full cost of studies and any required upgrades.
FERC rejected two add-ons: 1) Letting recently retired plants use the fast track and 2) allowing priority projects to jump ahead in SPP’s next interconnection cluster. Regulators said both proposals lacked key details and justification.
SPP argues the expansion track—paired with its separate expedited review for new plants—is a much-needed pressure release as the operator faces faster load growth and a wave of retirements across its 14-state territory.