How it works: FERC has approved PJM’s temporary “Expedited Interconnection Track” for large capacity projects. Beginning July 31, PJM will consider up to 10 of these speedy requests per year for new or uprated capacity resources >250 MW. But they’ve got to be 1) “shovel-ready” i.e. prepared to launch within three years and 2) approved by a state’s “primary siting authority.”
The pushback: The proposal prompted backlash among everyone from clean energy trade groups to state officials to Vistra. The concerns? The process could favor utilities, exclude lower-capacity renewables, and delay PJM’s standard interconnection review.
What’s next: PJM may announce the first 10 selected projects in October, and the grid operator said it could take around 10 months to move from submission to an interconnection agreement. The process will expire in late 2027.
Meanwhile, Charles River Associates has issued an RFP on PJM’s behalf for its emergency backstop auction (responses are due July 21). The consulting firm is kicking off a matchmaking effort to link up supply and load participants—which hopefully won’t cause too much heartbreak.
Molly Glick
Energy Central Team
Wed, Jun 10