FERC Upholds Reforms To Interconnection Process, But Will Reforms Be Implemented Fast Enough?

On March 21, 2024, FERC issued Order No. 2023-A, in which it acted on requests for rehearing or clarification related to nearly all of its landmark reforms to the pro forma generator interconnection processes (GIP) and generator interconnection agreements (GIAs) adopted last year in Order No. 2023.¹ In Order No. 2023, FERC sought to address interconnection queue backlogs, improve certainty, and prevent undue discrimination for new technologies by adopting major changes to its pro forma GIP and GIA for both large and small projects seeking to connect to the grid. In Order No. 2023-A, FERC largely affirmed its decisions in Order No. 2023. These changes apply to all transmission providers across the United States, and FERC requires transmission providers to submit compliance filings adopting its changes. These compliance filings are now due May 16, 2024, the effective date of Order No. 2023-A.