Resources

How each interconnection queue works.

Every grid operator runs its own study process, with its own stages, decision points and agreement steps. Cadentis builds a project's interconnection timeline from the operator's own tariff.

PJM

Cycle process under FERC Order 2023

Projects enter a cycle, move through three study phases with a decision point between them, and finish in a final agreement negotiation.

The final agreement negotiation starts as Phase III ends, so Decision Point III runs inside it instead of adding time after it. Scoping meetings are optional.

  1. Application review90 days
  2. Phase I system impact study120 days
  3. Decision Point I30 days
  4. Phase II study and facilities study180 days
  5. Decision Point II30 days
  6. Phase III study180 days
  7. Final agreement negotiation60 days

MISO

Definitive Planning Phase

Three study phases with two customer decision points. Milestone payments gate entry to each phase.

Each phase also has a short model review before the study clock starts.

  1. Scoping5 to 45 days
  2. Phase 1, preliminary study65 days
  3. Decision Point I15 business days
  4. Phase 2, revised study75 days
  5. Decision Point II15 business days
  6. Phase 3, final study50 days
  7. Agreement negotiation and executionabout 4 months

SPP

Definitive Interconnection System Impact Study

Two study phases with two decision points, then a facilities study. Financial security deposits and site-control evidence gate each step.

Closest in shape to MISO, with two decision points instead of PJM’s three.

  1. Review period1 month
  2. Study Phase One60 days
  3. Decision Point One15 business days
  4. Study Phase Two120 days
  5. Decision Point Two15 business days
  6. Interconnection facilities study60 days
  7. Agreement negotiation and executionabout 3 months

CAISO

Generator Interconnection and Deliverability Allocation Procedures

Projects are studied together in an annual cluster, in two phases, and finish at a results meeting where the commercial operation date is chosen.

The tariff sets no fixed number of days for issuing or signing the interconnection agreement after the results meeting, so none is shown.

  1. Phase I interconnection study170 days
  2. Phase II interconnection study205 days
  3. Results meeting30 days after the Phase II report

NYISO

Large Facility Interconnection Procedures and Class Year

A system reliability study first, then entry into a Class Year, a cohort of projects studied together. The Class Year has no fixed end date.

Because the Class Year study has no fixed duration, NYISO timelines are the least predictable of the six.

  1. System reliability impact study90 days
  2. Class Year decision period30 days
  3. Class Year facilities studyno fixed time in the tariff
  4. Agreement negotiationup to 6 months
  5. Agreement execution and filing10 business days

ISO-NE

Large Generator Interconnection Procedures, Schedule 22

One cluster study for the whole group, then a facilities study for each project, then the agreement.

The facilities study takes longer if the customer asks for a cost estimate within 10 percent instead of 20.

  1. Cluster study270 days after the engagement window closes
  2. Interconnection facilities study90 days, or 180 for a tighter cost estimate
  3. Agreement negotiation and executionabout 4 months

Durations are the targets each tariff sets. A project in a congested area can take longer, which is why Cascade uses a substation's own history when it has it.