The PJM Interconnection has garnered significant backing for its plans to improve access to the power grid by utilizing underused interconnection capacity. This initiative could lead to a rapid increase in power supplies across the region, as shared in recent filings to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
PJM’s proposal, introduced on December 20, aims to modify its rules regarding Surplus Interconnection Service (SIS), which could potentially unlock over 26 gigawatts (GW) of accredited capacity for the 2026/2027 delivery year. Various industry groups, including the American Clean Power Association and the Solar Energy Industries Association, noted that this change is crucial for addressing resource adequacy challenges.
The proposed revisions are expected to eliminate long-standing limitations on SIS, allowing battery storage to better integrate with fluctuating energy sources. This integration would maximize the use of the available interconnection capacity, which is essential as the demand for reliable energy resources continues to grow.
PJM is seeking FERC’s approval for these changes by March 7. The organization’s capacity auction for the 2026/27 delivery year is scheduled for July, emphasizing the urgency of these developments. The proposal is believed to have the potential to enhance capacity in areas with transmission constraints, which could help stabilize capacity prices.
Environmental groups and organizations, including the Sierra Club and Appalachian Voices, support the proposal, describing SIS as a quick and cost-effective means of increasing the energy supply while ensuring resource adequacy in the area.
The proposal is part of a broader set of initiatives aimed at bolstering PJM’s capacity, especially as the grid operator anticipates potential shortfalls in the coming decade. Supporting entities like Middle River Power have highlighted their experiences in California, showcasing how integrating battery storage with natural gas plants can significantly reduce emissions.
Overall, PJM’s efforts to reform interconnection rules have been met with widespread support, with no opposition recorded in response to the proposal. These changes address both specific complaints and broader compliance requirements, promising a more efficient pathway toward enhanced energy production and delivery.