NYISO Announces Interconnection Enhancements and Improvements

RENSSELAER, NY (08/05/2024) (readMedia)-- The New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) has launched a new interconnection process with significant improvements and enhancements, crucial for integrating a high volume of new generation facilities onto the grid.

NYISO's "Cluster Study" process and other improvements were developed in collaboration with stakeholders through the NYISO's governance process in recent years. Collectively, these enhancements will drive substantial efficiencies and improvements in the NYISO's interconnection process and enable an increasing number of clean energy projects to interconnect to the grid in a reliable, transparent, and timely manner. Additionally, the new study process and improvements will support New York State's efforts to decarbonize the electric grid as stated in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA).

"The launch of our new interconnection study process and the corresponding enhancements reflect our steadfast commitment to delivering the grid of the future," said Rich Dewey, President and CEO of the New York Independent System Operator. "I want to thank our team of professionals and stakeholders for advancing these important improvements. This collaborative effort will deliver greater efficiencies and transparency in our interconnection process."

A "Cluster Study" Approach

Launched on August 1, NYISO's new study process is conducted in two phases to evaluate a large group of interconnection requests collectively rather than individually, saving time and workload for the NYISO, utilities, and energy developers. The timeframes set by the process represent a significant reduction in the NYISO's overall interconnection process from its previous procedures. Additionally, the study process limits the number of mid-stream project modifications so that delays for a single project don't impact the progress of other projects looking to advance through the interconnection process. The first study window opened Aug. 1.

New Interconnection Portal

NYISO's interconnection portal is a digital platform where developers and utilities submit and gain information on pending interconnection proposals and applications. The NYISO has made several improvements to the interconnection portal to enhance the user experience and streamline the process. Specifically, energy developers will have greater visibility of their project progress and status, which helps them stay informed about key developments during the study process.

To learn more, visit NYISO's Connecting to the Grid page.