The SPP Generation Interconnection Advisory Group (GIAG) convened on June 18, 2025, to address several key policy reforms aimed at improving queue management and incorporating energy storage more effectively into the interconnection study process. Two major Revision Requests—RR676 and RR692—dominated the agenda, drawing mixed reactions from stakeholders. The meeting began with approval of the agenda and minutes from the previous session. With quorum achieved, the group moved swiftly into discussion and voting on proposed policy changes.
Energy Storage Reform Advances with Conditions
The most significant item was RR676, the Energy Storage Resource Load Assessment (ESRLA), which proposes new processes for studying energy storage resources, including the ability for projects to withdraw after Decision Point 2 (DP2) without financial penalty. The GIAG endorsed the proposal with the condition that it does not apply retroactively to DISIS clusters that have already passed DP2.
The vote passed 7–4, though opposition highlighted persistent concerns. WFEC opposed the motion, citing a lack of transparency around study assumptions, withdrawal penalties, and coordination between SPP and Transmission Owners. OPPD also voted against the endorsement, arguing that not applying the policy retroactively could expose SPP and its members to reliability risks from unstudied charging impacts of storage resources. They also questioned whether FAC-002 requirements could be met under the current proposal. Despite these concerns, the proposal was approved to move forward, with further clarity and alignment expected in future discussions.
Queue Flexibility Proposal Moves Forward
Another high-profile vote concerned RR692, which proposes allowing multiple Phase One studies within the DISIS queue. Designed to better manage shifting project participation and reduce delays, the revision aims to provide flexibility as projects withdraw or enter the queue mid-cycle.
The vote passed narrowly, with four approvals, two objections, and four abstentions. WFEC abstained, expressing concern about the potential retroactive impacts of the proposal and the absence of clear financial obligations or guarantees of FERC approval. Stakeholders also flagged uncertainty around stability study timing and questioned the fairness of withdrawal penalties under the proposed changes. Although the motion advanced, the conversation made clear that further engagement with stakeholders will be necessary to refine the framework before implementation.
Technical and Policy Updates Highlight Broader Reform Efforts
Beyond the two major votes, the meeting featured presentations on ongoing technical and procedural updates:
- Jill Ponder discussed updates to the DISIS Manual and BP-7250 related to non-jurisdictional generation and energy storage inclusion.
- Katherine Rogers reviewed proposed Attachment V redlines, emphasizing financial impacts, study deadlines, and refund eligibility under the Consolidated Planning Process (CPP).
- Mostafa Sedighizadeh presented updates on IEEE 2800 Phase 2 (SIR749), including grid-following and grid-forming inverter testing protocols, simulation test design, and interconnection modeling requirements. Stakeholders were encouraged to submit feedback by July 5.
Due to time constraints, several scheduled agenda items—such as updates on the CPP Manual, JTIQ edits, and surplus interconnection capacity—were deferred to the July meeting.
Looking Ahead
The next GIAG meeting is scheduled for July 23, 2025. It will include follow-ups on deferred items, as well as continued refinement of proposals such as RR676 and RR692 before they are advanced to the Transmission Working Group (TWG) for consideration.
The June session underscored the complexity of aligning technical planning with evolving resource types, especially storage. While GIAG continues to push forward reforms aimed at enhancing efficiency and flexibility, the meeting also revealed persistent stakeholder concerns around fairness, clarity, and implementation risks—issues that will require sustained attention in the months ahead.
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View Meeting Materials here.
