FERC Amends The Pro Forma SGIA To Require Frequency And Voltage Ride-Through Capability For Small Generators

On July 21, 2016, FERC issued a final rule ("Order No. 828") modifying the pro forma Small Generator Interconnection Agreement ("SGIA") to require newly interconnecting small generators to "ride-through" voltage and frequency variations rather than having those generators disconnect from the larger transmission system. With this final rule, FERC obligates new small generators—those less than 20 MW—to have comparable ride-through capabilities as those currently imposed on their large-scale counterparts through the pro forma Large Generator Interconnection Agreement ("LGIA").

As FERC explained in its order, large generators are required to ride-through voltage and frequency disturbances, rather than trip off-line and risk destabilizing the grid, to help ensure the reliability of the transmission system during such events. FERC considered imposing similar requirements on small generators in 2005 when it created the pro forma SGIA in Order No. 2006, but ultimately