The first project window for the 2019 Regional Transmission Expansion Plan will open in about a month, PJM told the Planning Committee last week.

PJM has posted results of its baseline N-1 study and expects to post its generation deliverability study in about a week, PJM’s Mark Sims said. The window will open when PJM completes a load deliverability study. “We’re looking at at least a month [to complete the third study]. It’s not going to be three months,” Sims said.

The window, which will be open for about 30 days, is unlikely to result in a large number of opportunities for non-incumbent transmission developers. Paul McGlynn, general manager of system planning, said “95% of projects in RTEP are upgrades to existing facilities,” which are assigned to incumbent transmission operators under FERC Order 1000.

McGlynn added that PJM is considering creation of a template for “no brainer” RTEP upgrades, to simplify and standardize the process for those submitting such projects.

PJM will open a second proposal window after completing its study of 2019 N-1-1 violations this summer. Approved projects will be submitted to the PJM Board of Managers in the fall.