What happened: The Electricity Transmission Competition Coalition and the Industrial Energy Consumers of America have alleged that SPP classified four major transmission projects as “short-term reliability projects” to avoid competitive bidding, according to a complaint filed last week with FERC.
The issue: This designation is intended for projects that will enter service within three years—but the projects in question likely won’t fit that timeline. SPP’s move marks the latest in a “growing pattern” from the grid operator, the groups wrote in a statement.
The consequences: SPP’s decision will cost consumers millions in “excess charges,” the groups claimed. They think that FERC should order SPP to reverse course and carry out a competitive selection process.
Tue, Nov 3
Molly Glick
Energy Central Team
NEWS: SPP let $3B in transmission projects skirt competitive bidding, trade groups claim.
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