FERC has approved ISO-NE’s proposal to delay Forward Capacity Auction (FCA) 19 by one year, pushing the auction to February 2026 (ER24-339). The auction is for the capacity commitment period (CCP) that runs from June 2028 through May 2029.

Further changes could be on the horizon for FCA 19. ISO-NE has initiated the delay to update how it accredits the capacity value of different resources, as well as to consider structural changes to the capacity auction’s timing.

The RTO and its stakeholders are contemplating whether to change the capacity market from a forward-annual auction format to a prompt-seasonal format. While the current forward auction is held more than three years before the CCP, a prompt auction would be held just months prior to the CCP. A seasonal format would break up the yearlong CCP into distinct seasons with separately procured capacity.

In December, Analysis Group recommended that ISO-NE move to a prompt and seasonal auction for FCA 19, saying it would help the region cope with the rapidly changing influx of clean energy resources. (See Analysis Group Recommends Prompt, Seasonal Capacity Market for ISO-NE.) If ISO-NE ultimately moves to a prompt market for FCA 19, this could delay the auction to early 2028.

FERC found ISO-NE’s proposal of a one-year delay to be just and reasonable, noting that “the requested delay will allow ISO-NE the time necessary to develop a revised capacity accreditation methodology, in addition to further potential changes to the [forward capacity market] design.”

The filing was not opposed by any stakeholder groups, and was supported by the New England Power Generators Association, FirstLight Power and a coalition of public power entities.