In response to growing backlogs in its generator interconnection queue, MISO retained CRA regulatory and economic experts to evaluate milestone payments defined in its interconnection study process and to identify opportunities for enhancement. CRA’s team analyzed the progression of interconnection requests throughout historical queue cycles to understand developer behavior given current price signals.
Data on queue cycle entries and withdrawals, along with associated network upgrade and affected system costs, were used to build statistical context for the examination of deposits and penalties. CRA’s team recommended several study process modifications aimed at improving efficiency and reducing harm caused to MISO stakeholders by queue withdrawals.
CRA’s recommendations were used by MISO to develop a set of reforms that were presented to stakeholders and have since been approved in part by FERC.
