Abstract:

The interconnection application process for transmission operators, as regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), generally takes between two and three years to complete from Sargent & Lundy’s experience. With the economics of renewable technologies continuously changing, developers may look to repurpose existing interconnection applications with more optimal generation technologies without requiring the assignment of a new interconnection queue number.

This white paper highlights the insights and considerations that Sargent & Lundy has identified during our engineering support of mid-queue, wind-to-solar generator changes in compliance with FERC Order 845. The goal is to assist owners, developers, and engineers in the efficient development and execution of an interconnection application while incorporating technoeconomic advancements made during the interconnection process. Although FERC Order 845 provides guidance on incorporating non-material changes into an interconnection application, it is the responsibility of the interconnection customer to demonstrate to the independent system operator (ISO) that proposed changes result in “equal or better” electrical performance for the transmission system.

Our insights and findings are based on our work in Midcontinent Independent System Operator territory but are generally representative of any ISO territory under FERC regulation.

Authors: Patrick Daou, Evan Giacchino, Adam Loeding, Eric Soderlund, and Piotr Wiczkowski