SPP, MISO propose changes to aid interregional grid projects

摘要

Southwest Power Pool and Midcontinent Independent System Operator have proposed changes to their joint operating agreement to help build interregional transmission projects because they discovered their current framework created a “triple hurdle” that is blocking mutually beneficial projects. The effort is significant because it shows some grid operators are taking another shot at improving interregional transmission planning after earlier efforts to implement a federal policy on the issue fell short. In 2011, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issued order 1000 to facilitate regional transmission planning and encourage competition to build grid projects. MISO and SPP have done two coordinated system plan (CSP) processes since then, but neither led to any interregional projects. “While several mutually beneficial projects were initially identified in both CSPs, none of those projects met the criteria for approval under the existing framework,” the regional transmission organizations told FERC Friday (ER19-1895, ER19-1896).