The PJM Interconnection Process Subcommittee (IPS) meeting convened on April 27, 2026. The meeting provided updates on interconnection cycle progress, replacement generation process, and reliability focused initiatives. Key discussions centered around study timelines, technical requirements for new applications, and the status of existing interconnection requests
(1.) Cycle Updates
- Transition Cycle 1 (TC1): The finalization of TC1 Phase 3 Retool 2 depends on a FERC proceeding involving the TC1 agreements still pending.
- Transition Cycle 2 (TC2): Currently, 278 projects are being studied in Phase II of TC2, and PJM is coordinating with transmission operators (TOs) to confirm overloaded flowgates and required reinforcements. Phase 2 reports will be published on June 5, 2026 TC2 DP II is scheduled to start from June 8, 2026, and will last up to July 7, 2026.
PJM also specified the requirements of TC2 DP II:
- Projects meeting acceleration criteria will directly proceed to Final Agreement Negotiation phase. PJM will notify the developer if their project is eligible for acceleration at DP II.
- Developers can make certain modification to their projects at DP II (for details, the reader is advised to refer to PJM Manual 14H Section 9.8):
- POI change is not permitted.
- MFO and/or CIR output can be reduced by up to 10%.
- Site Change is allowed to an adjacent parcel only if the project developer satisfies requirements for site control for both the initial and proposed sites.
- Equipment Change is allowed only in case of a technological advancement.
- Fuel Change is only permitted if multiple fuel types are present in the new service request, as long as it satisfies the reduction rules.
Note that no changes are allowed after DP II.
- Cycle 01: The application deadline for Cycle 01 ended at 5:00 p.m. EPT on 27th April 2026. The planned application review window will last for 91 days and close on July 27, 2026.
(2.) Replacement Generation NextGen Update
- Replacement Generation Interconnection Service: To facilitate quick GIA execution of replacement resources and their inclusion in the RTEP models, PJM introduced a new expedited process for transferring capacity interconnection rights (CIRs) from deactivating generation resources to replacement resources at the same POI.
- Application Documentation: The following documents requirements were specified:
- Completed replacement generation interconnection study agreement
- Deactivation notice or notice of intent to deactivate
- Project schedule, attestation, and supporting evidence for schedule
- Fuel and water delivery agreements, and right of way, if necessary
- Generator models submitted per PJM Dynamic Model Guidelines
- Site control evidence
- NextGen Replacement Generation Interconnection Service Request: From April 23, 2026, PJM NextGen portal has been updated to include Replacement Generation Interconnection Service Request. Developers can fill all information in the portal when applying for a replacement service.
(3.) PJM IBR Verification Process: Aiming to transition from reactive to proactive approach to address grid reliability issues such as oscillations, abnormal performance, and voltage excursions, PJM introduced the IBR verification process in the meeting. The process verifies that the as-built IBR plant matches the design documentation submitted to PJM and satisfies PJM performance requirements. Note that PJM will use a contractor to perform IBR verifications, and the developers will have to bear the cost of the verification.
Upcoming Important Dates
- May 26, 2026: Next IPS Meeting
- June 5, 2026: Expected publication date of TC2 Phase II reports
- June 8, 2026: Start of TC2 DP II
- July 27, 2026: Cycle 01 Application Window review completion
PJM is rapidly moving toward high-readiness and strict technical requirements. The ZEG team provides strong technical expertise whether you are in the transition cycle, planning a generation replacement, or preparing for the new IBR verification process. We remain dedicated to providing the insights and guidance needed to navigate the evolving PJM interconnection landscape. Contact us to get started.
