Interconnection

High Level
FERC took assertive steps this week to enforce Order 2023, mandating further compliance from PJM and authorizing fast-track interconnection processes in MISO and SPP despite criticism from renewable advocates. Meanwhile, Nexamp pushed the boundaries of developer-led grid upgrades with early “self-performance” pilots in New England, offering a potential new model for accelerating interconnection, even as utility resistance remains entrenched. Together, these developments reflect a regulatory environment increasingly defined by urgency, experimentation, and institutional friction.

Full View

FERC orders PJM to revise interconnection rules under Order 2023
• What happened: FERC directed PJM to amend its interconnection process to fully comply with Order 2023, including changes to cost allocation, modeling of energy storage, and use of grid-enhancing technologies.
• Who did it: The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issued the order at its July 24 open meeting.
• Why they did it: PJM asserted its existing process met Order 2023 requirements, but FERC found key areas lacking and emphasized the urgency of accelerating new supply amid spiking capacity costs and reliability concerns.
• Stakeholder views:
• Lindsay See, FERC Commissioner: “We’re going to continue to commit to work with [grid operators and utilities] on fast, innovative and fair solutions to get more sources connected and doing their job, delivering power quickly.”
• David Rosner, FERC Commissioner: called the action “a step in the right direction,” while urging greater speed.
• What happens next: PJM has 60 days to file a revised compliance plan. Reforms are expected to take effect in 2026, once the operator clears its current backlog and resumes processing new applications.
Source: https://www.utilitydive.com/news/ferc-pjm-grid-interconnection-queue-christie/754050/

FERC approves fast-track interconnection processes for MISO and SPP, prompting equity concerns
• What happened: FERC approved the Expedited Resource Addition Study (ERAS) for MISO and a similar process for SPP, allowing load-serving entities and state regulators to nominate projects for bypassing the traditional queue in order to address near-term reliability needs.
• Who did it: The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved the plans. MISO and SPP will implement them.
• Why they did it: To accelerate interconnection of select resources amid rising electricity demand and capacity shortfalls, with MISO alone targeting up to 68 projects through August 2027.
• Stakeholder views:
• Carrie Zalewski, Vice President of Markets & Transmission at American Clean Power: “FERC’s approval… is a dangerous misstep,” warning it lets gas plants “cut in line.”
• Greg Wannier, Senior Attorney at Sierra Club: said the decisions “make it possible for gas plants to cut in line at the expense of thousands of clean energy projects.”
• FERC: defended the proposals as resource-neutral and compliant with open access principles.
• What happens next: MISO will accept ERAS applications from August 6–11, with the first study beginning September 2. SPP will open a one-time 30-day application window after issuing notice. Observers expect gas-heavy selections but note that co-located storage projects could qualify depending on state preferences.
Sources:
https://www.utilitydive.com/news/ferc-approves-miso-spp-fast-track-interconnection-reviews/753765/
https://www.review-energy.com/otras-fuentes/new-us-interconnection-rules-may-slow-renewable-energy-integration

Nexamp self-performs utility interconnection on two projects, with limited scope and mixed results
• What happened: Nexamp carried out utility interconnection construction, limited to utility pole installation, for three community solar projects: one in Maine with Central Maine Power (CMP) and two in Massachusetts with National Grid. Notably, the Massachusetts sites, while two distinct projects, shared an identical self-performance scope. Thus, Nexamp completed two self-performance projects, for three solar projects. Nexamp saw significant time and cost savings as compared to CMP-led construction, but gains were negligible for the National Grid projects due to mostly internal execution challenges.
• Who did it: Nexamp, coordinating with engineering teams at CMP and National Grid.
• Why they did it: To reduce interconnection timelines and expenses by assuming responsibility for certain utility-side construction. CMP created a fully-fledged self-performance program at Nexamp’s urging, aiming to address developer frustrations tied to significant cost and timeline increases under Maine’s Net Energy Billing program. National Grid’s self-performance effort, by contrast, was a limited pilot. Launched in 2022, the pilot allowed developers to perform low-voltage system modifications away from energized infrastructure, with the goal of informing broader reform.
• Stakeholder views:
• Daniel Passarello, Lead Consulting Engineer for Grid Integration at Nexamp: “Self-performance allows us to take much greater control over the interconnection procurement and construction, enabling us to bring projects online faster and closer to budget.”
• Zaid Ashai, CEO of Nexamp: called the pilot “an innovative model that could transform project design and construction.”
• Sara Birmingham, Vice President of State Affairs at SEIA: described self-performance as “an innovative approach” that can accelerate timelines and reduce costs.
• Michael Porcaro, Director, Innovative Grid Solutions at National Grid: “There are potential long-term benefits from this pilot program. This is a win-win for consumers and the energy industry.”
• Anonymous Xcel Energy interconnection leader: “That’s how we make money. You’re already taking money out of our pockets with solar, and now you want to take more?”
• Anonymous Southern California Edison interconnection leader: “That’s our stuff. Why would we let you build our stuff?”
• What happens next: Nexamp aims to expand the range of interconnection activities available for self-performance beyond pole installation and is working with the Solar and Storage Industries Institute (SI2) to develop flexible interconnection models that better align with real-time grid conditions.
Sources:
https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2025/07/25/nexamp-self-performs-grid-interconnection-construction-to-accelerate-solar-project/
https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2025/07/nexamp-self-performs-grid-upgrades-for-3-new-england-community-solar-projects/
https://electrek.co/2025/07/24/nexamp-found-a-faster-way-to-build-solar-it-did-the-utilitys-job-too/
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/proving-future-interconnection-nexamp-self-150500746.html
https://www.nexamp.com/article/proving-the-future-of-interconnection-nexamps-self-performance-approach-delivers-results-in-three-pilot-projects
https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2022/08/nexamp-is-testing-interconnection-timelines-in-national-grid-program

What’s the So What?

FERC is running out of patience. With PJM now under direct order to remove vague compliance language and add prescriptive cost allocation and modeling reforms, the agency has signaled that partial conformity with Order 2023 will no longer suffice. These rulings land alongside FERC’s approval of fast-track processes in MISO and SPP, decisions that underscore both the urgency of grid transformation and the risks of cutting procedural corners.

Critics view the fast-track orders as clear favoritism toward fossil-backed reliability responses, noting the structural disadvantage created for renewable projects stuck in backlogged queues. The concern is valid, but FERC’s approach also reflects real-world pressure. The clean energy buildout must accelerate. If the current framework cannot deliver timely interconnections, workarounds will proliferate.

On the developer side, Nexamp is making its own workarounds. As a vertically integrated EPC that handles everything from queue submission and system design to construction, ownership, and operation, Nexamp is uniquely positioned to pilot self-performance. That model may not be replicable for every developer, many of whom do not build or own their projects. In fact, many developers end up selling their projects to Nexamp! The very few participants in either program from other developers is telling for how narrow the current field of qualified and interested participants is. If Nexamp wants to get this model in other jurisdictions, they will have to convince not only utilities but also fellow developers. It is clear that the uphill climb will be steep, given feedback from other utilities in different states (see e.g. Southern California Edison and Xcel comments above).

Still, Nexamp’s pilots matter. They show that some utilities are willing to collaborate with developers to try something new. That alone is a shift. For years, utilities have clung to outdated business models and perceptions that choke distributed energy innovation. CMP and National Grid may be testing the edges of what is permissible, but they are doing it with an eye toward reducing cost and delay, not defending turf. That is a very big deal.

If more utilities follow suit, the interconnection landscape could begin to shift from adversarial gatekeeping to structured collaboration. That would be a win not just for developers and consumers, but for the grid itself.

Bibliography
Utility Dive. “FERC orders changes to PJM’s grid interconnection process.” July 25, 2025. https://www.utilitydive.com/news/ferc-pjm-grid-interconnection-queue-christie/754050/
Utility Dive. “FERC approves MISO, SPP fast-track interconnection reviews.” July 23, 2025. https://www.utilitydive.com/news/ferc-approves-miso-spp-fast-track-interconnection-reviews/753765/
Review Energy. “New U.S. interconnection rules may slow renewable energy integration.” July 25, 2025. https://www.review-energy.com/otras-fuentes/new-us-interconnection-rules-may-slow-renewable-energy-integration
PV Magazine. “Nexamp self-performs grid interconnection construction to accelerate solar project.” July 25, 2025. https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2025/07/25/nexamp-self-performs-grid-interconnection-construction-to-accelerate-solar-project/
Solar Power World. “Nexamp self-performs grid upgrades for 3 New England community solar projects.” July 24, 2025. https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2025/07/nexamp-self-performs-grid-upgrades-for-3-new-england-community-solar-projects/
Electrek. “Nexamp found a faster way to build solar – it did the utility’s job, too.” July 24, 2025. https://electrek.co/2025/07/24/nexamp-found-a-faster-way-to-build-solar-it-did-the-utilitys-job-too/
Yahoo Finance. “Proving the Future of Interconnection: Nexamp’s Self-Performance Approach Delivers Results.” July 24, 2025. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/proving-future-interconnection-nexamp-self-150500746.html
Nexamp. “Proving the Future of Interconnection.” July 24, 2025. https://www.nexamp.com/article/proving-the-future-of-interconnection-nexamps-self-performance-approach-delivers-results-in-three-pilot-projects
Solar Power World. “Nexamp is testing interconnection timelines in National Grid program.” August 8, 2022. https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2022/08/nexamp-is-testing-interconnection-timelines-in-national-grid-program/