Clean energy coalition supports proposed changes to FERC interconnection request

A coalition of clean energy organizations recently expressed their support for proposed changes by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) aimed at improving the efficiency and transparency of the process for interconnection requests as well as removing barriers to renewable energy development.

The groups expressing their support include Advanced Energy Economy (AEE), the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE), the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) and the Energy Storage Association (ESA).

“ACORE applauds the Commission for seeking to remedy the regulatory hurdles that have historically inhibited renewable energy sources equal access to the transmission system,” Gregory Wetstone, ACORE president and CEO, said. “Given the large and increasing role renewables play in powering America’s electricity markets, we are pleased to join with our partners in supporting the proposed improvements to the interconnection process.”

AWEA and ESA filed comments on the proposal that further explain their respective views.

“We agree with FERC that the time is ripe for regulatory and policy changes to interconnection processes to ensure lower costs for consumers,” AWEA CEO Tom Kiernan said. “The Commission’s proposal, if finalized, will help remove barriers to cleaner, renewable sources of electricity that can help meet the growing needs of millions of Americans.”

The proposed rules are designed to create more predictability in the interconnection request process, provide more information to interconnection customers, make better use of underutilized existing connections and more quickly provide interconnection services.