New York Grid Operator Finalizes Interconnection Studies Bringing 7.4 Gigawatts of Energy Projects Closer to Operation

The New York Independent System Operator has completed final interconnection studies for 27 new solar, wind, energy storage, and energy transmission expansion projects totaling 7.4 gigawatts, according to a Jan. 13 press release. This brings the projects closer to commercial operation, supporting the state’s efforts to accomplish the clean energy directives of the 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, or CLCPA.

A group of projects seeking to join the transmission system that have completed the legally required evaluation process by the NYISO are referred to as a “Class Year.” Projects are examined to determine the reliability impact they might have on the electric system. The project developer, not the end user, is expected to cover the costs of any upgrades to the electric system that are discovered to be essential to preserve reliability.

THE CLCPA requires the state to achieve a 70 percent renewable energy system by 2030 and a carbon-free grid by 2040. As a result, volumes of diversified resources attempting to connect to the grid have rapidly expanded. By 2050, emissions must be decreased by 85 percent below 1990 levels. The grid operator continues to work with stakeholders to develop changes to the interconnection study process in order to address the rise.

The grid operator is required to assess the reliability implications of every project in accordance with reliability standards imposed by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, Northeast Power Coordinating Council, and New York State Reliability Council. The New York ISO’s interconnection study process has guided reliable grid connection of new resources over the last two decades, facilitating the nearly 13,000 MW of new generating capacity, which in turn encouraged over 11,000 MW of older, less efficient capacity to exit the system.

More jurisdictions are adopting policy objectives to transition to a lower-carbon power system and economy, which has increased state-level action on emission-trading schemes and carbon pricing.