VALLEY FORGE, Pa. — The PJM Planning Committee on March 4 endorsed by acclamation revisions to Manual 14H to conform with changes to the RTO’s surplus interconnection service (SIS) process FERC approved in February (ER25-778).
The committee discussed the specifics of how PJM would implement the changes during its meeting before approving the language. (See FERC Approves PJM’s One-time Fast-track Interconnection Process.)
SIS allows developers to add new resources to an existing point of interconnection that is not fully used; for example, if an existing resource does not operate at all times of day. Injection is capped at the capacity interconnection rights in the original resource’s interconnection service agreement, and surplus interconnection requests do not trigger the need for new network upgrades.
The new manual language would eliminate categorical prohibition on storage eligibility for SIS; change how PJM models proposed resources alongside projects in the generation interconnection queue; expand eligibility to allow SIS applications when the host resource is still in development; and allow projects that consume transmission headroom but do not require network upgrades. It would also allow projects that require additional interconnection facilities for the service while still prohibiting new network upgrades.
PJM’s Ed Franks said SIS applications would be studied using the most recent cluster phase 3 model to be commenced, which he said would strike a balance that allows projects to proceed without being disrupted if others in that cluster drop out. Franks said it is less likely for projects later in the queue to withdraw, reducing the risk of cluster analyses having to be retooled in a manner that impacts the potential for SIS projects to be assigned network upgrades.
“This would only be exponentially more complicated if we were using an earlier model,” he said.
Responding to stakeholder questions on what battery storage configurations would be allowable, Franks said both open- and closed-loop storage would be permitted so long as network upgrades are not triggered.
Ken Foladare, director of RTO and regulatory affairs for Tangibl Group, said the change would allow existing renewable resources to increase their reliability contribution by adding storage, transforming a non-dispatchable resource into semi-dispatchable.
“This is a good opportunity for PJM to be able to add megawatts, especially if you’re adding battery storage to standalone wind, standalone storage and contribute to resource adequacy,” he said.
Stakeholders questioned whether there would be a cure process for cases in which network upgrades are identified and allow for developers to change the scope of their projects to mitigate those violations. PJM Vice President of Planning Jason Connell said the tariff is clear in that if the SIS request causes a need for network upgrades, it would be denied.
PJM Director of Interconnection Planning Donnie Bielak said developers could submit a new application with changes that could avoid triggering the upgrades that led to rejection. He said the RTO wants to avoid taking on the role of a design consultant engaging with a back-and-forth with the developer on what can be done to avoid network upgrades.
