• New process targets projects above 250 MW, cutting approvals to 120 days
• Applicants face USD 250,000 fees and USD 30,000/MW M2 payments
• Feedback is due July 30, with FERC filing planned for September

MISO is working on developing a new expedited study process for large loads which will create yet another separate queue beyond the main Definitive Planning Process (DPP) and current ERAS process.

The plan was first detailed in an issue submission report filed by MISO earlier this month indicating it will be proposing a new process aligning large load studies with generation needed to serve those loads. MISO says these studies will allow it to “apply consistent assumptions, reduce timing mismatches and produce more optimized network upgrades while maintaining reliability.”

The proposed process would be for loads greater than 250 MW. MISO’s goal would be to increase speed to approval for those projects from the current 18-month process to one that could be fully completed within 120 days.

MISO has noted that its current Transmission Expansion Plan (TEP), which requires a signed GIA before generation can be included in load studies results in delays as transmission studies are conducted separately from the typically much longer DPP study process for generation.

At the same time, large load demand is accelerating in the region with 2 GW under study in MISO’s TEP26 cycle. Additionally, recent project review cycles included 34 GW of newly signed GIAs added to models over the past year. The result, MISO argues, is higher network upgrade costs and “potentially unjust and unreasonable rates.”

NPM Interconnection queue data is tracking 219 pre-operational projects in MISO that reached an advanced stage in the past 18 months across 33.17 GW.

NPM data is tracking 141 proposed data centers across states included in the MISO region before factoring in Texas, which more than doubles that number.

Under MISO’s newly proposed plan, transmission and generation studies would remain separate but be run in parallel with “aligned assumptions” with a 120-day study conclusion target for both at the end of the period.

Cycle sizes under the new program would be for 10 load generation pairs per quarter. Applicants would be required to pay an upfront application fee of USD 250,000 followed by an increased D2 study deposit over the regular queue as well as an M2 payment of USD 30,000/MW.

Under the currently proposed process, generation will be verified as critical to support its matched large load via firm offtake agreements. The generation will also need to be geographically aligned with the load and capped at 150 percent of the identified load need. Finally, projects will be required to maintain full site control through the point of interconnection and capable of reaching COD within six years.

In the event of a withdrawal of the matched load request, any associated generation projects will have to proceed to the normal DPP interconnection queue.

MISO is currently soliciting feedback on its proposal, which is due by July 30. Specifically, MISO is seeking comment on the 250 MW minimum for the program as well as insight on potential “readiness or securitizations rules to guard against speculative submissions.”

MISO plans to take the majority of August to review the feedback and incorporate it into the proposal’s language, which is expected to be finalized by August 27. The full plan is to be subsequently filed with FERC in September.