The SPP GIAG Meeting convened on February 20, 2025, to discuss critical updates on interconnection processes, transmission planning, and regulatory compliance. The meeting addressed ongoing studies, upcoming policy changes, and stakeholder concerns regarding interconnection queue management, expedited resource adequacy studies, and evolving technical requirements.
SPP GIAG: Key Approvals and Action Items
Generator Interconnection and Study Updates
- GI Status Update: DISIS election form clarifications were discussed in relation to the 2022 final report. Stakeholder questions were raised regarding 2017 Affected System Studies (AFS) restudy timelines and why some DPP and MPC studies remain in Sensitivity status.
- Non-Jurisdictional Requests & Policy Updates: Proposed policy changes were reviewed for non-jurisdictional interconnection requests, particularly for projects between 5–10MW. Stakeholders discussed the cost responsibilities for AFS and whether incremental increases require resubmission.
Transmission Planning and Queue Reform
- GI Roadmap & DISIS Transition: Discussions focused on the sunsetting of DISIS, its financial security requirements, and how it integrates with Competitive Planning Process (CPP) reforms.
- Stakeholders raised concerns about removing DP1 (Decision Point 1) and the impacts of intra-queue priority changes.
- Feedback was requested on whether a tariff change is necessary for the removal of Phase 1 and its applicability to DISIS-2024.
- Joint Targeted Interconnection Queue (JTIQ) Update: The JTIQ initiative will begin with DISIS-2024-001, incorporating a customer identification process and a screening/commitment framework. A $1.6M capital expenditure estimate was shared, along with potential DOE funding considerations.
Expedited Resource Adequacy Study & Regulatory Developments
- The Expedited Resource Adequacy Study (ERAS) has received MOPC/Board endorsement, with the Resource Review (RR) posted for approval.
- Stakeholders raised questions about comment periods, feedback mechanisms, and the potential inclusion of the 2025 ITP portfolio in CPP.
- IEEE 2800 Compliance & Grid Forming Requirements: Phase 2 of IEEE 2800 compliance was reviewed, addressing grid forming and grid following resources, NERC concerns, and FERC Orders 901 and 2023. The stakeholder feedback deadline for IEEE 2800 compliance is March 5, 2025.
Energy Storage and HARM Test Updates
- Energy Storage Resource – Limited Availability (ESR-LA): Updates were provided on COD timing, withdrawal penalties, and battery self-charging processes.
- HARM Test Review: Proposed tariff language modifications (BP-7250) were discussed to address withdrawals at different decision points and termination of GIA agreements.
Next Steps & Upcoming Deadlines
- March 5, 2025 – Deadline for IEEE 2800 stakeholder feedback.
- March 7, 2025 – Feedback due on the DISIS transition plan.
- March 24, 2025 – Stakeholder comments due on MTEP Guiding Principles.
- Q3 2025 – Deadline for NR to ER decision-making framework.
This meeting underscored SPP’s ongoing efforts to refine interconnection processes, improve queue transparency, and enhance resource adequacy planning. Continued stakeholder engagement remains essential in shaping transmission planning and grid reliability strategies.
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