Targeted Interconnection Pathways for Near-Term Resource Adequacy in US ISO/RTO Markets

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Resource adequacy (RA) and reliability has become an emergent concern across many regions in the United States grid, driven by accelerated retirements of conventional generation, load growth, and prolonged generation interconnection (GI) process resulting in the delay of conversion of queued megawatts into accredited deliverable capacity. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Order No. 2023 introduced many initiatives anticipated to expedite GI process timeline and enhance interconnection studies efficiency; however, implementation lead times and restricted grid transmission capacity limited near-term effects on accredited capacity. As a result, numerous regional transmission organizations and independent system operators have proposed targeted programs structured to expedite the study of generation projects that address near term reliability and reliability concerns including Southwest Power Pool’s (SPP), Midcontinent Independent System Operator’s (MISO), PJM, and California Independent System Operator’s (CAISO). This paper reviews and maps RA governance and metrics, explains GI reforms under Order No. 2023, and compares/analyzes various RA programs in terms of eligibility, deliverability, timelines, and projects participation. The analysis revealed that directed, temporarily, limited scoped mechanisms is crucial in addressing near-term reliability and RA concerns, when integrated with transparent deliverability screens, eligibility, and clear commercial milestone.