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The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued Order No. 2023 on July 27, 2023, which marks a significant milestone in the modernization of the nation’s transmission grid. FERC regulates interstate transmission of electricity, natural gas, and oil.

The order aims to streamline the interconnection process for transmission providers, enhance timing and cost certainty for interconnection clients, and prevent discrimination against new sources of power generation. This order poses a significant undertaking for power generators. This order is intended to address interconnection queue backlogs, improve cost and timing certainty, and prevent undue discrimination for new technologies.

ENTRUST Solutions Group, with its broad client base spanning areas affected by FERC Order No. 2023, is well-equipped to address the challenges posed by the order. 

FERC Order No. 2023 responds to the growing challenges faced by the power generation industry, with more than 2,000 gigawatts of generation and storage awaiting interconnection at the end of 2022.

Key Reforms:

• First-Ready-First-Served Cluster Study Process: The order introduces a first-ready-first-served cluster study process, consolidating interconnection studies for multiple proposed generating facilities. Thus, moving from a “serial process” to a “cluster process.” 
• Interconnection Queue Processing: Firm deadlines and penalties for transmission providers failing to complete interconnection studies on time aim to expedite the interconnection queue processing. 
• Incorporation of Technological Advancements: The order encourages the integration of technological advancements into the interconnection process, including co-location of generating facilities and the evaluation of alternative transmission technologies. 
• Modeling and Performance Standards for Inverter-Based Resources: The order establishes modeling and performance standards for inverter-based resources, ensuring continued system reliability. 

Clients of ENTRUST Solutions Group operating in regions affected by FERC Order No. 2023 may experience changes in the interconnection process. However, we are well-prepared to navigate these changes and ensure that our clients can interconnect to the transmission system reliably, efficiently, and transparently.  ENTRUST can support a client project from its inception through commercial operation.  This FERC order should streamline the interconnection process and result in backlogged projects achieving Commercial Operation in a timelier manner.

ENTRUST is well-positioned to provide comprehensive assistance in navigating FERC Order No. 2023. Our interconnection process consulting services extend to feasibility studies and system impact assessments, ensuring a thorough understanding of the technical requirements and potential challenges for our clients. Our expertise also encompasses interconnection agreement consulting, guiding clients through the complexities of revised pro forma generator interconnection procedures and agreements mandated by the order. 

Additionally, our project engineering services are geared towards facilitating a seamless transition through the first-ready-first-served cluster study process, with a focus on efficiency and cost optimization. ENTRUST excels in field testing, modeling, and protection event analyses, offering consulting services that align with compliance with NERC Reliability Standards for Generator Owners. By leveraging our technical capabilities across these areas, we are dedicated to empowering our clients to meet the new regulatory standards, ensuring reliable, efficient, and transparent interconnections in accordance with FERC Order No. 2023.

FERC Order No. 2023 signifies a pivotal moment in the modernization of the nation’s transmission grid. ENTRUST Solutions Group is poised to assist its diverse client base in overcoming challenges and ensuring a seamless transition to the new interconnection procedures. Through collaboration and innovation, ENTRUST remains committed to helping our clients provide reliable, resilient, and affordable electricity in the evolving energy landscape.

Mikaela TLM

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